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EARLY ENGLISH POETRY, BALLADS,
AND POPULAR LITERATURE OF THE MIDDLE AGES.
EDITED FROM ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPTS AND SCARCE PUBLICATIONS.
453SI
VOL. XIX.
LONDON
PRINTED FOR THE PERCY SOCIETY, hV T RICHARDS. ST. MARTJNS LANE
M.PCOC.XLVI.
CONTENTS OF VOL XIX,
THE CIVIC GARLAND.
KDITED BY F. W. FATRUOI.T ,ESQ. F.S.A.
LIFE AND MAirrVKDOM OF THOMAS BECKET.
KIHTKl* IIY .1. II. CI.ACK KSQ. F.S.A.
A COLLECTION OF SONGS FROM LONDON PAGEANTS.
KDITED, WITH INTKODUCTION AND NOTES, BY
FREDERICK W. FAIRHOLT, F.vS.A.
" Quaint old themes,
Even in the city's throng."
Longfellow's Voices of the ?\igh t.
LONDON : PKINTED FOR THE PERCY SOCIETY,
BY T. RICHARDS, 100, ST. MARTIN'S LANE. M.DCCC.XLV.
Orouncil, 1845-6.
Presicieut, The Rt. Hon. LORD BRAYBROOKE, F.S.A.
THOMAS AMYOT, Esq. F.R.S. Treas. S A. WILLIAM HENRY BLACK, Esq WILLIAM CHAPPELL, Esq. F.S.A. J. PAYNE COLLIER, Esq. F.S.A. BOLTON CORNEY, E.^q.
T. CROFTON CROKER, E.sq. F.RS., M.R.I. A. .TAMES HENRY DIXON, Esq FREDERICK VV. FAIKHOLT, Esq. F.S.A. .T. O. HALLIWELL, Esq. F.R.S., F.S.A. WILLIAM JERDAN, Esq. F.S A., M R.S L. CAPTAIN JOHNS, R.M. T. .1. PETTIGREW, Esq. F.R.S., F S.A WILLIAM SANDYS. Esq. F.S.A. W. .1. THOMS, Esq. F.S.A.
THO.MAS WRIGHT, Esq. M.A.F.S.A , St-nmiury and Trcaxurer.
INTRODUCTION.
It was my original intention to have appended the songs from the mayoralty pageants of London, contained in this volume, to the volume on Lord Mayors' Pageants published by the Percy Society in 1843-4, so that this may be considered as the third and concluding part of the collections on that subject. I have however not restricted myself now, as I should have done before, to those only to be found in pageants expressly devoted to London's chief magistrate, but have added several from pageants designed to entertain royalty when it honoured the city with its presence. It must be allowed that many of these songs possess but little poetical merit; they are chiefly curious as specimens of the taste and feeling of the day ; but they derive an historic interest from the great occasions in the celebration of which they were composed. In many Instances, too, they vividly picture forth, in coarse and homely phrase enough, the opinions, political and religious, held in the capital of the kingdom. In some instances the freedom of expression is rather surpi*ising; but this also is characteristic of the times. Thus, U h
when Charles the Second and his queen were en- tertained with the Waterman's Song, printed in this collection, p. 34, the author tells us: — "The song ended, and upon their majesties drawing near, one of the watermen boldly steps forward, and expresseth himself to their majesties in these words, — ' Haul in, haul in, for the lionour of your calling, and be hang'd ; do you know your fellows no better ? I have something to say for the good of ye all : God blesse thee, King Charles, and thy good woman there, a blest creature she is, I war- rant thee, and a true. Go thy wayes for a wagg ! thou hast had a merry time on't in the west ; I need say no more ; a word to the wise — thou un- derstand'st me ; much good may it do thee, fall too and welcome ; the devil take the grudger ! But dost hear me, don't take it in dudgeon that I am so familiar with thee ; thou mayst rather take it kindly, for I am not alwayes in this good humour ; though I thee thee and thou thee, I am no quaker, take notice of that ; he tliat does not love thee in his heart, may he be drawn in a cart ; God blesse me, that rime has put me in mind of the old poet my brother Avaterraan.* Have at ye, i'faith ! if I have any guts in my brains I Fll give you a dish
* John Taylor the Water-Poet, so named from having been a Thames wateniian. He composed the mayoralty pageant for 1G34.
Ill
of poetry to stay your stomach 'till you get further;
a distich or two does it :
We in our hearts do foster no deceipt, They and our tongues simplicity do meet, As sands and fishes are thought numberless, So may our joyes be pregnant, and increase.
And so God speed you well."
The very great rarity of the descriptive pamphlets of London pageants can only be accounted for by the temporary interest they excited. The original editions were not small, and they appeared on all occasions. In the Satires of Henry Fitzgeffery, 1617, mention is made how
" Carelesse, fearlesse pamphlets fly about, Bookes made of ballades ; workes of playes, Sights to be read of my lo. maior's days."
and he previously speaks of the eagerness with which descriptive accounts are got up and pub- lished :
" Be there a city show, or sight at court."
Since the publication of my collections on Lord Mayors' Pageants, in which I included a brief de- scription of all I could then discover in any public or private library, Mr. Pearson has obtained one by Thomas Middleton hitherto unpublished, and which is printed entire in the second volume of the Shak- spere Society's Pcqyers. It is entitled " The Triumphs of Honor and Virtue," and was written by Mid- dleton for the mayoralty of the Rt. Hon. Peter
h2
IV
Proby, of the grocer's company, in 1622. The pageants for 1621 and 1623 I have already de- scribed ; and this supplies the missing one. Two pageants were exhibited on the water, the Throne of Virtue, and the Continent of India. They add to the show by hind, and are stationed on the mayor's return, at different places. St. Paul's church- yard is the abiding-place of the Continent of India ; this was the trade-pageant^ and was " replenished with all manner of spice-plants and trees bearing odour." A black personage, representing India, is seated on a bed of spices, attended by Indians in antique habits, " Commerce, Adventure, and Traffic, three liabited like merchants, presenting to her view a bright figure, bearing the inscription of Knowledge, a sun appearing above the trees in brightest splendour and glory." Middle ton tells us that " the three merchants placed in the Conti- nent have reference to the lord mayor and sheriffs, all three being this year brothers of this ancient and honourable Society." India addresses an ex- ceedingly complimentary speech to the mayor, who now proceeds to " the chariot of Fame, which awaits his honour''s approach near the little conduit in Cheap," where Antiquity again compliments him and the company to which lie belongs, and declares the honours they have received in his "golden register book." The Throne of Virtue is
the next to confront the mayor near to Laurence- lane end, and here again compliments are rife. The mayor now reaches Guildhall, dines, and after- wards goes to St. Paul's, attended by " the whole state of the triumph," and so homeward. " In Soper Lane two parts of the triumph stand ready planted ; viz. the Throne of Virtue^ and the Glohe of Honour.'''' This last pageant, which, with the others, was the work of Gerard Christmas (whose inventive genius and clever execution Is always lauded by the city poets, and has been frequently noticed by me elsewhere), is so exactly like what we constantly see upon the modern theatres, that it is not a little curious, particularly if Christmas was the original inventor of this " unparallclled master-piece of in- vention and art," as Middleton styles it. This *' Glohe suddenly opening, and flying into eight coats, or distinct parts, discovers in a twinkling eight bright personages most gloriously decked, representing as it were the inward man, the inten- tions of a virtuous and worthy breast by the graces of the mind and soul, such as Clear Conscience, Divine Speculation, Peace of Heart, Integrity, Watch- fulness, Equality, Providence, Impartiality, each exprest by its proper illustration. And because man's perfection can receive no constant attribute in this life, the cloud of Frailty ever and anon shadowing and darkening our brightest intentions,
VI
makes good the morality of those coats or parts, when they fall or close into the full round of a globe again, showing, that as the hrightest day has its overcastings, so the best men in this life have their imperfections ; and worldly mists oftentimes interpose the clearest cogitations, and yet that but for a season, turning in the end, like the mounting of this engine', to their everlasting brightness, con- verting itself to a canopy of stars." The four car- dinal virtues. Wisdom, Justice, Fortitude, and Temperance, are placed at the four corners, and Honour, " mounted on the top," explains all in a farewell speech to the mayor.
I have myself obtained access to the very rare pa- geant for 1698 by Settle, and which is remarkable as being one of the only tivo containing engravings of the shows exhibite<l. It is entitled, " Glory ""s Resurrection, being the Triumphs of London re- vived, for the Inauguration of the Right Honour- able Sir Francis Child," of the Goldsmiths' Com- pany. Upon this occasion the place of meeting was Goldsmiths' Hall, and the procession passed thi'ough Cheaj)side to Three-Crane wharf, where they embarked for AVestminster, landing on their return at Dorset-stairs.* The first pageant, "The
* See my " History of Lord Mayors' Pageants," Part I, p. 115, for the account given in the newspapers of the day, of their entertainment there by the Earl of Dorset.
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Amphitheatre of Union," was exhibited in Cheap- side ; it was a temple of the Corinthian order, on the angles of which were placed "four noble golden cuj^s, being part of the bearing of the com- panies arms." Union addresses a short and ami- cable speech to the Mayor. The second pageant is the Goldsmiths' Laboratory, where sits St. Dunstan, holding a pair of goldsmith's tongs in his right hand and a crozier in his left, while under his feet lies the devil. " On each side this noble seat,'" says Settle, " is plac'd Apollo and Esculapius his son, in their proper habits, bearing the city's and company's banners, and playing on several melodious instruments, as well for his lordship's diversion as to preserve a harmony and decorum among the artificers," who are all at work in the various processes of their trade around him. St. Dunstan thus commences his address to the Mayor,
" The triumphs of this day, deserv'd so well, When fame shall iu recorded story tell.
Those oracles of truth "
Devil. ( Interriqning him.) Can you speak truth ? St. Dunstan. Peace, snarling devil ! Thus I'll stop your mouth ! {Catches him by the nose.)
Down to thy hell, there croak, thou fiend accurst, See this great day, and, swell'd with envy, burst."*
The third pageant is the chariot of justice, in
* It was usual to act this legend whenever a mayor of the goldsmiths' company was inaugurated. It occurs in Jordan's
via
which sits Astrea, holdlnG; in her risfht hand a touch-stone, and in her left a golden balance with silver scales. " At a descent beneath this goddess are placed Charity and Concord, as the necessary supporters of Justice ; and on a seat remote sits another virtue, called Truth, supporting the reins and guiding the chariot of Justice. This stately chariot is drawn by two unicorns, most exquisitely carved and gilded, with equal proportion to the life. On the backs of the two unicorns are mounted two beautiful young princes, one a Barbarian, the other an European, sounding forth the fame of the honourable company of goldsmiths. At the feet of these most noble creatures are seated four other virtues, as Prudence, Temperance, Courage, and Conduct, all properly attired, each holding a banner, display'd with the king's, the lord mayor's, the city's, and the company's arms." Astrea addresses a short complimentary speech to the mayor.
The fourth and last pageant is " the Temple of Plonour," where he sits with Peace, Plenty, and Liberality ; and he also compliments the mayor. At each corner of the stage beneath, were placed impersonations of " the four principal rivers of
pageant for Sir Robert Vyner, 1684. See "Lord Mayors' Pageants," Part I, p. 82^ for the descriptive passage. In the pageant for 1087, which Taubman had composed for Sii" John Shorter, the same scene was enacted. (See " Pageants," Part I, p. 1U3.)
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trade, as Tiber, Nile, Danube, and Thames." A song of three verses, composed for the feast in Guildhall, concludes the pamphlet ; it promises an increase of ti-ade and wealth to the city, owing to the peace effected by the prowess of William the Third :
" Of war he has ended the toil and the pain, And William's work now is to smile and to reign."
The four plates do not altogether accord with the author's description of the pageants they are supposed to delineate. Thus, the first exhibits a figure not answering to the description given of "Union," holding a bow and arrow, under a square canopy, not supported by Corinthian capitals, but by twisted pillars of a nondescript order. St. Dunstan is represented in his chair, without the devil, and unattended by the other personages named ; two goldsmiths, one weighing ore, and the other placing cups in the shop which forms the back-ground, are all that appear. The engraving altogether lacks vraisemhlance, and does not look like a fac-simile copy of any particular pageant. Both these plates are of the folio size of the pam- phlet ; the third one is a larger folding plate ; it is " the chariot of justice," and is inscribed " to the worshipfuU the Company of Goldsmiths, the prints of these Pageants, as a lasting monument of this year's triumphs, are humbly dedicated," and it is
marked as "17 foot high." The fourth, "the Temple of Honour," answers the description pretty- well : it is very badly executed as a work of art, as are all the others except the Chariot of Justice, which is a remarkably spirited engraving, with a very broad effect, reminding one forcibly, in its style and treatment, as well as by the features of the faces, of the works of the celebrated Dutch engraver. Remain de Hooge, by whom it was very probably executed. It is copied in outline as a frontispiece to this book.*
The Fishmongers"' company have, since the com- pletion of my little volume, published by subscrip- tion a series of fac-simile en2;ravin2;s from the very interesting drawings of Sir John Leman's pageant for 1616 in their possession, accompanied with descriptive letter-press, in an elegant folio volume. Their resemblance in structure to the
* If the reader will turn to my " History of Lord Mayors' Pageants," Part I, p. 81, he will find that precisely the same pageant was exhibited in 1G74 ; and in p. 103 of the same volume it is described in the pageant for lf!87 identically as Settle now gives it ; in the notes and additions to Part I he will find a fiu'ther notice of the way in which these " stock- pageants" were repeated, and sometimes under new names, or with new figures introduced, which may account for the engravings of some of those above-named not exactly agreeing with the descriptions of the city laureate. They have evi- dently been executed by diflfcrent hands, and probably at different times.
XI
continental pageants I have described in the in- troduction to the first part of my own book is iden- tical ; the figures exhibited are all arranged on stages, and the machinery which moves them is concealed by hangings or painted cloths, like the Antwerp pageant engraved there.
In the notes to the second part of the Pageants I have printed a song on the visit of King James I to St. Paul's in 1620, from a MS. in the })ossession of Dr. Rimbault, and which formerly belonged to John Gamble, a musician of whom I have given a brief notice in p. 35 of the present volume ; I may be excused for printing another curious song fi'om the same IMS. on the citizens"* neglect of their cathedral, as the Percy Society should be considered as peculiarly the guardians of all such ancient unpublished lyrics.
The pureliuges of the citty, Both zealous men and witty,
Inspired with the spirit of truth : Doe hould it for a great offence, To repayre a church with such expence,
That hath beene superstitious all her youth.
Lett ould Duke Humphrey and his crue Rise from their graves, and build it newe,
That there long tyme did use to say their masses ; For they stood much upon good v/orkes, Which we esteeme farr less then Turkes,
And those that doe them we terme them asses.
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Forsooth, all Papists aske us where Our churche was many a yeare
Invisible, when theirs was in the height ; But let the poore deceived souls Look underneath the quier of Pauls,
And they may see her holly fayth.
There is noe bell nor organs there, To make a fearefull noyse to heare ;
The surplis is not worne, nor yet the cope ; Noe choristers to make a noyse. We prayse the Lord without such toyes.
By psalms and sermons preacht against the pope.
There are not pictures to be seene. But only of our royall queene .
Elizabeth, whose fame doth beare the bell, Her soul's in heaven, you may be sui'e. For though she died a virgin pure,
She ne're deserved to lead apes in hell.
The Scriptures all men freely read, Interpreting it for a neede
Themselves, without a guide, and never feare it. Wee neede noe fathers to expound, Our doctrine is soe sure and sound
That all men find it by their private spirit.
I cannot chuse but laugh at those
That seeke the Churche and doctrines gloss
Upon the text, and dare not trust their owne. As if they knewe as well as wee. What without zeale doth best agree, [knowne.
That wrought soe long before the Church was
Now God preserve King Charles his life, For he hath gott a vertuous wife ;
The match is broake with Spaync, I saw't in print, The Frenche match is goinge on amayno.
xin
If that should have broake as it did with Spayne, For my part, I should think the dcvill were in't.*
Of Jacob Hall, the celebrated rope-dancer who was hired to figure before Charles II in the pa- geant for 1671, when he dined with the mayor, (see " Lord Mayors' Pageants," Part II, p. 138, and notes), a notice occurs in a poem " upon the stately structure of Bow Church and steeple," printed in the " Collection of Poems on affairs of State," vol. iv, p. 379, which would seem to prove that he was frequently seen in the mayoralty shows.
" When Jacob Hall on his high rope shews tricks, The dragon flutters,t the lord mayor's horse kicks ; The Cheapside crowds and pageants scarcely know Which most t' admire, Hall, hobby-horse, or Bow !"
* The same MS. contains the following stanza set to music, which was written on Charles the First's peremptory dismissal of his queen's French servants, in the summer of 1626. They had so tired his patience, that in a letter to Buckingham he says, " I command you to send all the French away out of town. If you can by fair means, (but stick not long in disputing), other ways force them away like so many wild beasts, until ye have shipped them ; and so the devil go with them."
Harke, I'le tell you newes from the court, Marke, tliese tbinges will make you good sport, All the French that lately did praunce
There up and downe in bravery, Now are all sent backs to France,
Kinge Charles hath smelt some knavery. Harke I how they call for helpe ! some porters is lacking ; Denmark House was full of packs, Sent away on porter's backs. + Alluding to the dragon which forms tlie weather-cock of Bow Church.
The guilds, or companies of tradesmen of all our large towns, were formerly distinguished by their public processions and pageants exhibited on the election of mayor, or the commemoration day of their patron saint. These have all gradu- ally fallen into disuse, or else lingered on until their original meaning was in some degree for- gotten.* The three most interesting of these ancient shows, which remain to us, are the guild processions of Coventry, Preston, and Shrews- bury. The Coventry tradesmen have always been celebrated for their love of shows since the days of the old mysteries, when each trade played one peculiar to itself, as did their fellow-traders of Chester. The guild procession of modern times was annually exhibited at Coventry, on the Friday in Trinity week, until within the last thirty years, but now it seldom occurs oftener than once in three or four years. The show commences with the city guards, dressed in ancient armour, and carrying spears ; then follows St. George in a complete suit of armour, on a horse, led by a youth in female attire, probably intended for Sabra, the king of Egypt's daughter, whom,
* At Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, it was usual to place outside the Guildhall, on the mayor's feast, two puppets named John and Bess Joblet. Why they were so named or exhibited no one knew ; they were the last relic of some old commemoration or pageant.
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according to Richard Johnson''s veritable " History of the Seven Champions of Christendom," he saved from the dragon's devouring jaws. He is followed by musicians, and the high constable of the city, with his staff of office in his hand, preceding the centre of attraction, the Lady Godiva. A hand- some woman is always engaged to personate her ladyship ; she is clothed in a white linen dress, fitting close to her body, which is relieved by a variety of gay ornaments ; from her hair is sus- pended a si^lendid gauze scarf, she is also furnished with beautiful long ringlets, which flow in graceful luxuriance over great part of her body. She carries a large bunch of flowers in her hand, and rides on a cream-coloured horse, accompanied on either side by the city crier and beadle, on horse- back.* These men are remarked for their coats of two colours, the one side green, the other scarlet, to represent the bishopric of Coventry and Lichfield ; the badge of the city is borne on their left arms. The mayor and corporation fol- low on horseback, preceding the different trade companies of the city, who are each represented by a streamer, and a master or head of the com-
* Though this guild procession is of very ancient date, the introduction of Lady Godiva is believed to have taken place about the time of that notorious licentiate Charles II.
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pany provided with followers.* They ride in the following order : — the mercers, drapers, clothiers, blacksmiths, tailors, cappers, butchers, fell-mon- gers, carpenters, cordwainers, bakers, and weavers. They are followed by a knight in silver armour, and by masonic and benefit societies. These are followed by the woolcombers' company, a strange- lookino: set of men, most of them wearing large wigs and hats of different coloured jersey. First comes their streamer ; then their master and two followers ; after them appear a little boy and girl, representing a shepherd and shepherdess ; they are seated beneath two arbours, formed of boughs and flowers, which make an entii'e covering for the splendid car in which they ride ; the boy carries a dog, the little girl a lamb, or images of these animals, and they hold crooks in their hands. Immediately following them is a man representing Jason, with a golden fleece, and drawn sword ; after him five men, sorters of wool, and then one dressed to personate Bishop Blaze, the great
* These followers who attend on the principal characters of the show, are beautiful little boys, dressed in costly habits, and some of them are so young as to require support in their basket-work seats, which are fixed to the backs of their horses. The men who lead the horses walk without their coats, and are decorated with a profusion of ribbons.
XVll
patron and friend of the woolcombers,* with the combs in one hand, and the bible in the other, followed by several woolcombers, fantastically dressed. Another full band of music closes the procession.
The Preston guilda mercatoria, or merchant's guild, was confirmed by charters given in the 37 Edward III, and 15 Richard II : it was instituted in the reign of Plenry II ; and was generally a gay and festive meeting ; oratorios, balls, masquerades and plays, continued for many weeks. St. John the Baptist is the special patron of the Preston guild. The first year on record of its public cele- bration was 1.329 ; the second, in 1397; the third, in 1418 ; and so on at irregular intervals, but from the year 1543 it has been held regularly every twenty years. Upon failure of such celebration the gviild forfeit their elective franchises, and their rights as burgesses.
They meet on the Monday after the decollation
* He appears to have been tormented with iron combs previous to his martyrdom under Licinius, a.d. 316. In the first volume of Hone's " Everyday Book" is an account of the septennial festival of the bishop, held by the wool- combers of Bradford on the day of his martyrdom, February 3rd, 1825, in which the bishop formed the principal fea- ture of the show ; he was attended by his chaplain, and was preceded by Jason, Medea, and the King and Queen, (of Colchis ?) and followed by shepherds, shepherdesses, and country swains, attired in light-green dresses.
of St. John the Baptist at the Moot Hall, and thence go to church. A series of plates was en- graved by B. Mayor iu 1762, delineating the whole of the procession on that occasion. The com- panies were preceded by the marshal armed cap-a- pie, and mounted. The smiths exhibited a mounted horseman with head-piece and axe ; the carpenters, a group of boys, bearing wands surmounted with bunches of flowers, like that borne by the lord mayor of London's henchboy, in Charles I's time, as shewn in the frontispiece to the first part of my "Lord Mayors' Pageants;" the cordwainers had two nondescript figures, partially armed with hats and feathers and long mantles, probably meant for Crispin and Crispianus. The weavers carried aloft a small loom, with a boy at work ; the wool- combers exhibited their patron saint. Bishop Blaise, on horseback, holding the woolcomb in his hand. The celebration of this guild lasted about fourteen days.
In 1802, the tailor's company was attended by a man and woman decorated with fig-leaves, to personate Adam and Eve, " an emblem of the very high antiquity of their business." The farrier's company were led by a man completely attired in steel armour, to represent Vulcan, attended by eight boys in powdered hair. The companies were all gaily dressed, the cordwainers appearing in red
XIX
morocco aprons, bound with light blue ribands. A spinning-jenny, with a boy at work, and a loom at which was a girl at work with bobbins, were each drawn on sledges by the men in the proces- sion, as well as a miniature steam-engine, perform- ing all the various processes of the cotton manu- facture. The celebration lasted for a fortnight, and balls, races, oratorios, balloons, &c., were pro- vided for each day's entertainment.*
The pageant annually celebrated at Shrews- bury, and known by the name of the Shreicsbmy Shotv, is of very ancient foundation, and appears to have owed its origin to one of the most splendid festivals of the Romish church, that of Corpus Christi. Upon this day the several guilds and
* See " History of Preston, and Account of the Guild Merchant," fol. Lond. 1822. Lady Mary Wortley Montague, in a letter from Adrianople, dated May 17, 1717, describes a Turkish trade show, which iu many particulars bears a curious resemblance to the Euroi^ean ones : —
" It was preceded by an effendi mounted on a camel, richly furnished, reading aloud the Alcoran, finely bound, laid upon a cushion. He was suiTOunded by a parcel of boys, in white, singing some verses of it, followed by a man dressed in green boughs, representing a clean husbandman sowing seed. After him several reapers, with garlands of ears of corn, as Ceres is pictured, with scythes in their hands, seeming to mow. Then a little machine drawn by oxen, in which was a wind- mill, and boys employed in grinding corn ; followed by another machine, drawn by buffaloes, carrying an oven, and two more boys, one employed in kneading bread, and another in draw-
c2
XX
companies, preceded by their masters and wardens, and attended by the abbot, priors, and other eccle- siastical dignitaries, bearing the host under a superb canopy, and richly dressed and appointed with various religious insignia, proceeded in solemn pro- cession to the Weeping Cross, some little distance out of town, where they bewailed their manifold sins; and having offered up thanksgivings and prayers for the harvest, they returned in the same order to tlie town, and concluded their ceremony by the celebration of High Mass in the ancient church of St. Chad. This was followed by three days of general rejoicing. Since the Reformation, the religious part of the ceremony has been of course discontinued, and the second ]Mondav after
ing it out of the oven. These boys threw little cakes on both sides among the crowd, and were followed by the whole com- pany of bakers, marching on foot, two by two, in their best clothes, with cakes, loaves, pasties, and pies of all sorts, on their heads, and after them two buffoons, or jack-puddings, with their faces and clothes smeared with meal, who diverted the mob with their antic gestures. In the same manner fol- lowed all the companies of trade in the empire ; the noble sort, such as jewellers, mercers, (tc, finely mounted, and many of the pageants that represent their trades, per- fectly magnificent ; among which, that of the furriers made one of the best figures, being a very large machine, set round with the skins of ermines, foxes, itc, so well stuffed, that the animals seemed to be alive, and followed hy music and dancers. I believe there were upon the whole twenty thou- sand men."'
Trinity Sunday has been substituted for Corpus Christi day. The different companies still con- tinued their procession with increased pomp and grandeur. At the present time, the various com- panies, with all their " corn-brethren," assemble in the forenoon at the castle, and having been duly marshalled in proper order of precedency, start in procession in the following order : first, the shoe- makers, with a splendid array of flags and banners, and preceded by St. Crispin in the dress of a cavalier of Charles I, and Ci'ispianus in the costume of George II, both on horseback ; second, the butchers, with the king of the company, and nu- merous flags and banners ; these are followed by the bricklayers, the painters, the booksellers, the bakers, the barber-surgeons, and many other com- panies, with flags, banners, devices, and imple- ments, and each accompanied by a " king," or some principal personage of their trade on horseback. The procession moves down Castle-Foregate and Pride Hill to the market-place, where they rest until the national anthem is played, and then march forward down the Mardol, over the Welch bridge, and up Frank well to Kingsland.
This is a large tract of land belonging to the burgesses, and upon which the several companies have small enclosures each comprising within its limits a small dwelling-house, and an "arbour,"
or summer dining pavilion. On arriving at Kings- land, the companies branch off to their respective arbours, where dinners are prepared, and shortly after the mayor and corporation arrive on horse- back, and proceed from arbour to arbour, to partake of refreshment with each. In the evening, the procession re-forms, and leaving Kingsland on the opposite side, returns to Coleham, over the English bridge, up the Wyll Cop, along High Street to the Market Square, where, having again sung the national anthem, they separate.
The day is spent in unbounded jollity and good humour, and flags, banners, bands of music, shows, booths, stalls, &c., are to be seen everywhere.
Of the provincial mayoralty processions, one of the most interesting was that of Norwich, Avhich exhibited some peculiar features of "pomp and antique pageantry,'" even until the year 183o, when the old corporation was legislatively abo- lished, and the mayor has since been sworn in with scarcely so much of public form and distinction as accompanies the installation of a })arochial overseer. In the olden time all the trade guilds or confrater- nities, preceded by their banners, marched through the principal streets to the cathedral. By the sta- tutes of 31 Henry VIII and 1 Edw. VI, all the guilds, except that of St. George's company, were abolished; and they always appeared with their
pageant of St. George and the Dragon and St. Mar- garet, until that once opulent and important bro- therhood was dissolved in 1731.* Their annual processions were generally very grand, and they always exhibited their patron saint in great glory. Bloomfield has furnished us, in his Norfolk, with many items on this subject, shewing their great liberality. Thus, in 1534, Philip Foreman is or- dered " to be George this year, and to have 10/. for his labour, and finding apparel," a very largo sum when the value of money at that time is con- sidered. In 1537, was "bought for the apparel of the George and Margaret, eight yards of tawny, and four yards of crimson velvet, to be in the cus- tody of the aldermen," so that St. Margaret, who
* This company was first founded in 1385, being a society of brethren and sisters in honour of the martyr St. George, who, by voluntary subscription, provided a chaplain to cele- brate service every day before the high altar on the south side of the cathedral, for the welfare of the brethren and sisters of the guild while alive, and the repose of their souls when dead, and thus they continued until 1415, when Henry V granted them a charter, by which they were in- corporated by the name of "the aldermen, masters, brethren, and sisters of the fraternity or guild of St. George in Norwich," and they annually chose one alderman, four masters, and twenty-four for the assembly or common council. The com- pany having dwindled to poverty, gave up their charter, books, and goods to the city in 1731, in consideration of their debts, which amounted to 236^. 15s. Id., being paid by them. — {Bloomfield.)
XXIV
is always painted with the Dragon* as well as St. George, also appeared in the procession, and was called the Lady of the Guild. In 1468, in the in- ventory of the goods belonging to the guild, is " a scarlet gown for the George, with blue garters. t A coat armour for the George, beaten with silver. A chaplet for St. George, with an ov,'che (or brooch) of copper gilt, and all the horse's furniture. A dragon, a basnet, a pair of gauntlets, two Avhite gowns for the heynsmen or henchmen, and a sword, the scabbard covered with velvet, and bossed."
In 1549, they sold their old pageant-dresses, and among them " a black velvet vestment, a jer- kin of crimson velvet, a cap of russet velvet, a coat armour of white damask, with a red cross, a horse harness of black velvet, witli copper buckles, gilt, for the George, and a horse harness of crimson
* The legend of this saint assures us that she was swal- lowed alive by the evil one under the form of a dragon, and that while in his stomach she made the sign of the cross, and "yssued out all whole and sound." There is a painting by Raffaelle of this event, in which the saint is represented with her foot on the head of a gigantic dragon, and holding a palm branch.
t In the reign of Edward IV the colour of the gown or surcoat of the knights of the garter was changed from blue to puri)le, and it was embroidered all over with blue garters. The hood was similarly decorated.
XXV
velvet with flowers of gold, for the lady." In 1556, "a gown of crimson velvet, pirled with gold," was bought for the George. In 1558, it was ordered " that ther shall be ney ther George nor Margett, but for pastime the dragon to come in and shew himself, as in other yeres."
When the company dissolved itself in 1731, the inventory of their goods contains the follow- ing items connected with their pageants, and the value set on them. —
£. s. il. " One large silver-headed staff, with the effigies of St. George, on horseback, trampling the dragon under his feet - 5 5 0 One new dragon, commonly called snap- dragon - - - - -33 0 Two standards, one of St. George and the
Dragon,and the other the English colours 110 Four sashes for the standard-bearers - 0 10 6
Two habits for the standai'd-bearers - 2 2 0
Five habits for the wiflers - - 2 12 6
Two habits, one for the club-bearer, another
for his man, who are now called fools - 0 10 6
The club-bearers and whifflers were always seen in the London pageants, their duty being to clear the way ; and the Norwich corporation retained their whifflers to the last. The frontispiece to the first part of my "Lord Mayors' Pageants" represents the London civic whiffler of the time of Charles I, and here we have the last of his race, as he ap-
peared at Norwich, previous to the operation of the Reform Bill in 1832. His costume is curious,
-^
and had been handed down from the age of theTu- dors; it consisted of white stockings, gartered below the knee, with crimson ribbons, capacious trunk breeches of blue plush, a doublet of white cotton, with full sleeves, trimmed with light-blue ribbon, and ornamented with gilt buttons ; a hat made of crimson cloth, and edged with white ribbon, hav- ing a large blue bow and white feather ; his shoes were decorated with large white rosettes. There were four whifflers employed, and each held a sword, broad, and short in tlie blade, but having a long handle grasi)ed by both hands ; it was blunt
XXVll
at the point, and without edge ; and with this harm- less, but dexterously flourished weapon, which they frequently threw up into the air and caught in its descent with unerring precision, (like the Norman Taillefer at the battle of Hastings), they contrived, by a sort of half leaping, half piroueitinci move- ment, without hurting any one, to make all by- standers cautious how they came within reach of their varied evolutions, and thus effectually did the business of pioneering for the cavalcade ; they beinsc, like the heralds of ancient Rome, held sacred from personal insult or violence, which not even the lowest of the populace ever attempted.* Next these men, and at the head of the proces- sion, appeared the dragon, familiarly known as snap. The universal popularity of the dragon in public shows, and on great festivities, has been frequently noted, both here, and on the Continent ; I am glad to be enabled, thi-ough the kindness of S. W. Stevenson, Esq. of Norwich, to give "the true pourtraicture and effigies" of the last of the Dragons, as he figured in that town ; the more so,
* The office had been held in the family of the last of the whifflers, William Dewing, for more than two centuries ; and mention is made in Kemp's " Nine Days' Wonder" of their being employed when he danced into Norwich in 1599. A coloured print of this whiffler was published in 1841, by R. Muskett, of Norwich, from which our cut is copied.
xxvm
as I had been informed, on a visit to Norwich three years ago, that he had fallen into total decay.
The body of this monster was formed of light materials, being composed of canvas stretched over a framework of wood : the outside was painted of a sea-green colour, witli gilt scales, picked out with red. The body was five feet in length, and was sometimes used to secrete wine abstracted from the mayor's cellars. The neck was capable of elongation, (measuring three feet and a half when extended), was supported by springs attached to the body, and was caj)able of being turned in any direction at the will of the bearer. From between the ears the whole outer extremity of the back was surmounted by a sort of mane, of crimson colour, tied in fantastic knots around the juncture of the enormous tail, which extended about five feet, curling at the further extremity, as exhibited in the cut (a). Between the wings was a small aperture for air, and beneath the body was hung a sort of petticoat to conceal the legs of
XXIX
the bearer, whose feet were furnished with large claws.
The dragon's head had its lower jaw furnished with a plate of iron resembling a horse-shoe ; it was formerly garnished with enormous nails, which produced a terrible clatter when the jaws met together. They were made to open and shut by means of strings, and the children amused them- selves by throwing halfpence into the gaping mouth, which turned to the right and left during the whole of the journey, noisily clashing its jaws, from which the Dragon's popular name of snap was probably derived.
The procession did not possess any other peculiar feature of antique show.
Walker, in a short historical essay on the Irish stage, published in the Transactions of the Royal Irish Academy, vol. ii. 1788, gives the following
extract from the MS. of Robert "Ware, which shows that the Irish companies or guilds, had each their pecuUar mysteries and moralities, like those of Chester and Coventry. — " Thomas Fitz- Gerald, Earl of Kildare, and Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland in the year 1528, was invited to a new play every day in Christmas, Arland Usher being then mayor, and Francis Herbert and John Squire bayliffs, wherein the taylors acted the part of Adam and Eve ; the shoemakers represented the story of Crispin and Crispianus ; the vintners acted Bacchus and his story ; the carpenters that of Joseph and Mary ; Yulcan, and what related to him, was acted by the smiths ; and the comedy of Ceres, the goddess of corn, was acted by the bakers. Their stage was erected on Hoggin-green, (now called College-green), and on it the priors of St. John of Jerusalem, of the Blessed Trinity, and of All-hallows, caused two plays to be acted, the one representing the Passion of our Saviour, and the other the several deaths which the apos- tles suffered." In 1557, the '• Six Worthies was played by the city f and the Chain-nook of Dub- lin, also quoted, furnishes the following notices of dresses, &c., supplied by the city for these shows, and in Avhich St. George and the dragon figure most conspicuously. —
" It was ordered in maintenance of the pageant
of St. George, that the mayor of the foregoing year should find the emperor and empress, Avith their train and followers, well apparelled and accoutered ; that is to say, the emperor attended with two doctors, and the empress with two knights, and two maidens richly apparelled to bear up the train of her gown. Item, 2ndly, the mayor for the time being was to find St. George a horse, and the wardens to pay 3^. 4d. for his wages that day : the bailiffs for the time being were to find four horses, with men mounted on them, well apparelled, to bear the pole-axe, the standai'd, and the several swords of the emperor and St. George. Item, 3rdly, the elder master of the guild was to find a maiden well attired to lead the dragon, and the clerk of the market was to find a golden line for the dragon. Item, 4thly, the elder warden was to find St. George four trumpets, but St. George himself was to pay their wages. Item, 5thly, the younger Avarden was obliged to find the King of Dele, and the Queen of Dele, as also two knights to lead the Queen of Dele, and two maidens to bear the train of her gown, all being entirely clad in black apparel. Moreover, he was to cause St. George's Chapel to be well hung in black, and completely apparelled to every purpose, and was to provide it with cushions, rushes, and other necessaries for the fes- tivity of the day."
The record proceeds : — " No less was the pre- l)aration of pageants for the procession of Corpus Christi-day, on which the glovers were to repre- sent Adam and Eve, with an angel bearing a sword before them. The corrisees, (perhaps curriers), were to represent Cain and Abel, with an altar and their offering. Tiie Mariners and Vintners, Noah, and the jiersons in his ark, apparelled in the habits of carpenters and salmon-takers. The weavers personated Abraham and Isaac, wath their offering and altar. The smiths represented Pharaoh, with his host. The skinners the camel with the chil- dren of Israel. The goldsmiths were to find the King of Cullen. The hoopers were to find the shepherds, with an angel singing Gloria in excelsis Deo. Corj)us Christi guild was to find Christ in his passion, with the Marys and angels. The taylors were to find Pilate, with his fellowshij), and his wife cloathed accordingly. The barbers, Anna and Caiaphas. The fishers, the apostles. The merchants, the prophets ; and the butchers the tormentors." All these pageants moved in solemn procession to St. George's Chapel, the scene of their dramatic exhibitions, which stood formerly in St. George's Street, South,* not a
* It is mentioned in Ilolinshccrs Chronicle as "of late razed."
trace of It now remains, but the memory of these pageants continued to be preserved in The Fran- chises that were rode triennially In Dublin till the year 1772, when they were abolished by the lord mayor's proclamation."
This perambulation " of the liberties and fran- chises of the city of Dublin" took place in August, each trade or guild being dedicated to some saint, and marching In the following order: — 1, mer- chants, or Holy Trinity guild ; 2, taylors, or guild of St. John the Baptist ; 3, smiths, or guild of St. Loy ; 4, barbers, or guild of St, Mary Mag- dalen ; 5, bakers, or guild of St. Anne ; 6, butch- ers, or guild of the Virgin Mary ; 7, carpenters, millers, masons, healers, turners, and plumbers of the fraternity of the Blessed Virgin, and house of St. Thomas ; 8, shoemakers, or guild of St. Michael Archangel ; 9, sadlers, upholders, coach and harness makers, or guild of the Blessed Vir- gin; 10, cooks, or guild of St. James Apostle; 11, tanners; 12, tallow-chandlers, or guild of St. George ; 13, glovers and skinners, or guild of St. Mary ; 14, weavers, or guild of St. Philij) and James ; 1 5, sheer-men and dyers, or guild of St. Nicholas; 16, goldsmiths, or guild of All-Saints; 17, coopers, or guild of St. Patrick ; 18, hatters ; 19, printers, painters, cutlers, stalners, and sta- tioners, or guild of St. Luke, the Evangelist ; 20,
d
bricklayers and plasterers, or guild of St. Bartho- lomew ; 21, hosiers, or guild of St. George; 22, curriers ; 23, brewers and maltsters, or guild of St. Andrew ; 24, joiners, ceilers, and wainscotters ; 25, apothecaries, or guild of St. Luke. All these bodies were distinguished by their peculiar colours, and a broadside was published regularly, descrip- tive of their proceedings, in which the following "poem"'*' always appears, and which is remarkable for its grandiloquent opening, and satirical close. It is printed from a copy dated 1762, in the col- lection of T. Crofton Croker, Esq.
Tnou mighty Sol, now in the east ascend, Thy beams display and all thy glories lend; Now mount thy chariot, drive each cloud away, And bright Aurora usher in this day.
Next Neptune, god and ruler of the main, Let not the clouds exhale one drop of rain; Then will each hero at the night's approach Come home with dry cockades without a coach.
And now the glorious cavalcade's begun. Ye muses open all your Hellicon, Inspire my verses, and assist my song. While I relate how each troop moves along.
The city Proctor, mounted on a steed, With ril)bons drest, leads on the cavalcade: Before his Lordship, with a solemn grace, They bear the sword of justice and the mace; His gown of richest scarlet, in his hand Majestical he holds the powerful wand. In awful pomp and state, on either side, The city Sheriffs in like triumph ride, Attended by a band whose gripping paw, Poor debtors dread and keeps them still in awe.
XXXV
Next march the Guild who plow the frothy main, In depth of winter, for the hopes of gain, To distant climes our beef and wool convey, And barter wholesome food for silk and tea; Fearless of rocks they seek the unknown shore. And bring from thence the glitt'ring tempting ore.
The cross-legg'd Taylors next in order go, Who by their arts trim others for this show. All other arts acknowledge and confess, They're gi'ac'd by them in every gaudy dress; As well the peasant as the cringing beau. Must from the tailor to fair Silvia go; No wonder then those tailors march so gay, Since from all others thus they bear the sway.
Next march the Smiths, men bravely us'd to fire, Without whose aid all arts must soon expire; Before them, clad in armour in his pride, A brawny Vulcan doth in triumph ride.
Next comes the Barbers, who can soon repair Nature's defects, and 'fend the bald with haii". Suit all complexions, and with little pains. Supply the skull with wig that lacketh brains.
Next comes the well-bred men who know the way To please the ladies in theii- bread at tea. And with theii* white, their wheaten and their brown, Can please the palate of the lord or clown.
Next march the Butchers, men inur'd to toil, Their brawny limbs like champions shine with oil; Mui'der and slaughter, knocking in the head. Are their delight, the trade to which they're bred.
Next march the Carpenters, whose arms can rend The lofty pines and make proud elms to bend.
Next do the Shoe-makers in order go. And their dragoons do make a stately show. Since the wide hoop exposes to the view The well shap'd leg, silk stocking, red heel'd shoe.
Next march the Sadlers, glorious to behold, Ou spritely beasts, their saddles shine with gold;
XXXVl
A warlike steed most proudly walks before, Richly attir'd, led by a black-a-moor.
Next march the Cooks, who study day and night With costly fare to please the appetite; With these the Vintners ride; did they refine As much as they adulterate the wine, Then every muse [their praise] woidd gladly sound, And with what pleasm-e every glass go round!
Next march the Tanners, fam'd in days of yore For tanning hides for shields which heroes bore. Who has not heard of Ajax's seven-fold shield, Which neither to the sword nor spear would yield 1 And won't you as much admire, as much adore. The tanner's hand, as his the buckler bore.
Next march the Tallow-chandlers, who expel With cheerful lights, shades from the darkest cell; Enthusiasts of inward light may boast, But these are they, illuminate the most.
Next march the Glovers, who with nicest care, Provide white kid for the new married pair; Or nicely stitch the lemon-colour'd glove. For hand of beau to go and see his love.
The Weavers next in order proudly ride, Who with great skill the nijnble shuttle glide, Pity such art should meet with small reward. But what art, now-a-days, docs meet regard ?
Shearmen and Dyers next in order come, Men who depend entirely on the loom. The Weaver finds employment for them both. One gives the colour, 'tother refines the cloth.
Next march the Goldsmiths, who can form and mould In sundry shapes and forms the ductile gold. Men call them traytors, I'cbels, and what not. Nor King nor Queen they spare, all goes to pot. Nor pity meets; in the devouring fire, Monarchs and chamber pots and rings expire.
Then comes the jolly Coopers, who confine In casks well bound with hoops the sparkling wine.
Next march the Hatters, once a gainful trade, When men wore finest beavers on their head; But now lest weight of that the curl should harm Beaux strut along with beaver under arm.
Next Printers, Stationers, Cutlers, Painters appear, Three men in shields their arms before them bear. And printing-press to shew that art so rare.
Next march the Bricklayers, by whose hands arise Hibernia's towers, whose top salutes the skies.
The Stocking-weavers next in order come, Who form the scarlet stocking in the loom. With clock of gold or silver nicely wrought; Each step fair Chloe takes, a lover's caught.
Next march the Curriers, who both cut and pare The hydes for Saddlers or Shoe-maker.
The Brewers next well mounted doth appear, These are the men brew humming ale and beer.
The skilful Joiners next in order come, Whose chairs and tables fm-nish out the room; A man in white precedes the gallant train, Whose ample shoulders a huge pole sustain.
See! where the proud Apothecaries drive, Who most by fraud and impositions thrive, Whose monstrous bUls immoderate wealth procure. For di'ugs that kill as many as they cure. Well are they plac'd the last of all the rout, For they're the men we best could live without.
In order thus they ride the city round. View all the limits, and observe each bound. Then homeward steer their com-se without delay. And fall to drink, the business of the day. Next morning send theii- horse and 'coutrements away.
The ensuing collection of songs contains speci- mens by most of the city poets laureate ; the entire list comprises the names of George Peele,
XXXVIU
Anthony Munday, Thomas Dekker, Thomas Middleton, John Squire, John Webster, Thomas Heywood, John Taylor, Edmund Gaytou, Tho- mas Brewer, (?) John Tatham, Thomas Jordan, Matthew Taubman, and Elkanah Settle. No songs appear In the pageants of many of these writers, and solitary specimens are all that can be found by others. Thomas Jordan was the most prolific in this way, and some of his songs are extremely good. A specimen by Settle, the last of his tribe, concludes the Collection ; and it is curious that one of our latest notices of him records the fact of his enacting a drag-on in Bartholomew fair ; — a nondescript creature that so universally figured in the pageants, both English and foreign.
CONTENTS.
The White Falcon .
Song in Praise of Anne Boleyn
Song to King Edward VI
"A Ballet of the Kings Majesty," (Edward VI)
The Song of Troynovant
Song in Praise of Sir T. Middleton
The Song of Kobin Hood and his Huntsmen
The Song of Peace .
Song of the Muses .
Song in Praise of Country Innocence .
A Dialogue between Tom and Dick.
A short Representation performed before the Lord General
Monk at Goldsmith's Hall Song of Welcome to Charles II Song of the Watermen A Review of the Times The Discontented Cavalier The Prodigal's Resolution Song in Honour of the City and Goldsmiths The Epicure The Coffee House .
Page 1
4
7
8
11
13
14
16
17
18
19
24
31 34 38 42 -18 52 57 59
xl
|
Song on New Bedlam |
. 63 |
|
The Mad Sectary . |
. 67 |
|
Song in Praise of the Merchant Taylors |
. 74 |
|
The Protestants' Exhortation |
. 77 |
|
The Plotting Papists' Litany . |
. 82 |
|
The Planters' Song |
. 90 |
|
Song of the Clothworkers |
. 93 |
|
The Vintners' Song |
. 95 |
THE CIVIC GARLAND.
THE WHITE FALCON.
From " Verses and Dities made at the coronation of Queene Anne Boleyn," Royal MS. 18, A. LXiv, which were "devised and made partely by John Leland, and partely by Nicholas Uvedale," or Udall, (latinized Udallus throughout this MS.) who has achieved extra celebrity as the author of the first English comedy, " Ealph Roister Doister," which was probably written about the same time as these pageant verses, as Mr. Collier imagines it to be " the pi-oduction of comparative j-outh." Udall was born as early as 1506, admitted scholar of Corpus Christi College, Oxford, the 18th of June 1520, and died "after 1564," according to Mr. Collier, (Hist, of Stage, vol. 2, p. 445), having first been master of Eton, and afterwards of Westminster schools. His severity to his scholars has been noted by Roger Ascham, who says, in the preface to his " Schole- master," that divers of the scholars of Eton ran away from thence for fear of him. Thomas Tusser, the author of the "Five Hundred Pointes of good Husbandrie," was one of his pupils, and thus alludes to the usage he received at his hands: —
" From Paules 1 went, to Eaton sent, To learne streiglitwaies, the Latin pbraies, Where fil'tiethree stripes given to mee,
at once I had: For fault but small, or none at all, It came to pas, thus beat I was. See, Udall, see, the mercie of thee
to me poore lad." — (Edit. 1580).
2 THE CIVIC GARLAND.
The song here printed was sung at the end of the pageant representing Saint Anne, (the queen's patron saint), and Mary Cleophas with her four children. One of these made a goodly oration to the Queen of the fruitfulnesse of Saint Anne, and her generation, trusting that the like fruit should come of her. (Hall's Chronicle). " This spoken, opened a cloud, and leatt down a white falcon, in the descending of whiche was pronounced by another child as followeth: —
" Behold and see the Falcon white, How she begynneth hir wings to spred, And for our coinniforte to take hir flight, But where woU she sease as j-ou doo red ? A rare sight, and yett to bee joyed, On the rose, chiefe floure that ever was. This bird to light, that all birds dothe passe."
The white falcon was the badge of Anne Boleyn, (See Wil- lement's " Rogal Heraldry,") where it is engraved. The rose upon which the falcon lights being Henry the Eighth, who bore the flattering legend on his coins of "Rosa sine spina," and a ballad on his expedition to France in 1513 has the words —
" The rose will into Frawnse spring, Alniythy God hyin thyder brj'iig. And save this flowr which is our kyng, Thys rose, thys rose, this Ryall Rose."
The speech being delivered, " at the departing of the Queene's said Grace was songen this balad following: —
This white Falcon
Rare and gaison, This bird shjneth so bright,
Of all that ar
No bird compare Maye with this Falcon whiglit.
The vertues all No man mortall Of this bird may write;
THE CIVIC GARLAND.
Noo man earthelj Ynough truely Can prease this Falcon wliiglit.
Who woll expresse
Gret gentilnes Too be in any wight,
He woll not mys
But call hym this, The gentil Falcon whight;
This gentill burcl,
As white as curd, Shyneth bothe claye and night;
Nor farre ne nere
Is any pere Unto this Falcon white.
Of bodie small,
Of power regall. She is, and sharpe of sight;
Of courage haulte,
Noo manner faulte Is in this Falcon whight.
In chastitee
Excedeth shee, Moste like a virgin bright.
And worthie is
To live in blisse Alwayes this falcon whight.
B 2
THE CIVIC GARLAND.
But now to take
And use Lir make, Is tjme, as trauthe is plight,
That she may bring
Frute according For such a Falcon whight.
And where by wrong
She hathe fleen long, Uncertain where to light,
Hir self repose
Upon the rose, Now maye this Falcon whight.
Wheron to rest,
And build hir nest, God graunte hir moste of might;
That England maye
Rejoyce alwaye In this same Falcon whight.*
SONG IN PRAISE OF ANNE BOLEYN.
This Skeltonical " balad," also by Udall, and sung upon the same occasion as th« last, came in at the end of the pageant called " The Judgment of Paris," and which is thus described in the MS.
* The entire of these verses have been reprinted in the tirst volume of Nichols's "Progresses of Queen Elizabeth," (first edition, 1788), but the stanzas are there printed in four lines only, the four shorter lines being printed as two. It is here given as it stands in thi- original MS.
THE CIVIC GARLAND. 5
"At the litle counduite in Chepe sid was exhibited the Juge- mente of Paris, in maner and fourme folowing: —
' Mercurie. Juppiter, this aple unto the hath sent,
Commaunding in this cause to geve true jugement.
Paris. Juppiter a straunge office hath geven me,
To juge whiche is fairest of these hidies three.
Juno. All riches and kingdonies hee at my behest;
Give me the aple, and thou shalt have the hest.
Pallas. Adjuge it to me, and for a kingdoms
I siiall geve the incomparable wisedome.
Venus. Preferre me, and I shall rewarde the, Paris, With the fairest ladie that on the erthe is.
Paris. I should breke Juppiter's high coniniaundemcnt, If I should for niede or rewarde geve jugement. Therfore, ladie Venus, before both these twain, Your beautie moche exceding, by my sentence Shall win and have this aple. Yet to bee plain. Here is the fouerthe ladie, now in presence, Moste worthie to have it of due congruence. As pereles in riches, wit, and beautee, Whiche ar but sundrie qualitees in you three. But for hir worthynes this aple of gold Is to symple a rewarde a thousand fold.'
Hall tells us, in the account of this day's proceedings, that Mercury presented to the Queen a ball of gold, divided ; signify- ing the three gifts which the goddesses gave her — wisdom, riches, and felicity ; but fi'om the last verse of this ballad, Venus appears to have received the ball, and the Queen was consoled by a very high-flown compliment.
QuENE Anne so gent, Of high descent, Anne excellent
In noblenes, Of ladies all You principall, Should win tliis ball
Of worthynes.
THE CIVIC GARLAND.
Passing beautie And cliastitee, With high degree,
And gret riches ; Soo coopled bee In unytee, That chief ar yee
In worthynes.
When Juppiter His raessager Sent doun hither,
He knewe certes, That you victrice Of all ladies, Should have the price
Of worthynes.
And wise Paris, Made juge in this, Anon I wys,
Moste high Princessc, Well undirstood Your vertues good. Your noble blood,
And woorthynes.
Your dignitee When he gan see, The ladies three,
Qiicenc Anne percles,
THE CIVIC GARLAND.
He bead geve place Unto your Grace, As mete it was
In worthynes.
The golden ball, Of price but small, Have Venus shall,
The fair goddesse; Because it was To lowe and bace For your good grace
And worthynes.
SONG TO KING EDWARD VI.
This song was sung at the Conduit in Cornhill, when King Edward VI passed through London from the Tower to West- minster, Saturday, February 19th, 1546-7, preparatory to his coronation the day after. It lias been preserved by Leland in his " Collectanea," vol. 4, where it was printed " from a MS. for- merly belonging to William Le Neve, (Norroy.)" It has been reprinted in Nichols's 'London Pageants,' 8vo., London, 1831, p. 45, who considers it " worthy of particular attention, at it embraces most of the sentiments of the modern ' God save the King,' although not noticed by the several writers who have investigated the history of that national anthem." He adds, "As the arrangement of the lines in the ' Collectanea' is ver}'- obscure, some slight transposition has been attempted; but by no means with confidence that the song is thus restored to its original form." I have adopted Mr. Nichols's reading, as it is impossible to make sense of the song as it stands in the pages of Leland.
THE CIVIC GARLAND.
King Edward, King Ednard, God save King Edward, God save King Edward,
King Edward the Sixth ! To have the sword, His subjects to defend,
His enemies to put down. According to right, in every towne;
And long to continue
In grace and vertue,
Unto God's pleasure
His Commons to rejoice ! "Whom we ought to honour, to love, and to dread
As our most noble King
And Soveraigne Lord, [Supreame Head ;
Next under God, of England and Ireland the
Whom God hath chosen
By his mercy so good. Good Lord! in Heaven to Thee we sing. Grant our noble King to reigne and springe.
From age to age
Like Solomon the sage, Whom God preserve in peace and warre, And safely keep him from all danger.
" A BALLET OF THE KINGS MAJESTY" (EDW. VI.)
This was sung upon the same occasion as the forcgoin<^, at the Little Conduit in Ciieapsido, where a pageant was prepared to amuse the young king, in which King Edward the Confessor and
THE CIVIC GARLAND. 9
St. Geoi'gc were the principal characters ; the latter was to have made a speech, and a child " an oration in Latin, " but " for lack of time it could not be done, his Grace made such speed ; how- beit there was a song," which was the one here reprinted. It has been given in Nichols's " London Pageants," who says of it that " it has more merit than most of the poetry employed on this occasion, and is sufficiently well written to have deserved popu- larity, if it did not obtain it."
King Edward up springeth from puerilitie, And towards us bringetli joy and tranquillity; Our hearts may be light, and merry oure cheere, He shall be of such might that all the world may him feare. Sing up, heart i sing up, heart; sing no more down, But joy in King Edward that weareth the crown !"
His father, late our soveraigne, each day and also houre, That in joy he might reigne, like aprince in high power, By sea and land, hath provided for him eke. That never King of England had ever the like. Sing up, heart, &c.
He hath gotten already BuUen that goodly towne, And biddeth sing speedily up and downe. When he waxeth weight, and to manhood doth spring, He shall be without fail of foure realmes the King. Sing up, heart, &c.
Yee, children of England, for the honor of the same, Take bow and shaft in hand, learn shewtage to frame,*
* The decay of archery in England was looked on as a serious evil, the pride and strength of our early armies being their bow- men. The practice of shooting was consequently enforced by
10 THE CIVIC GARLAND.
That you another day may so do your parts As to serve your King as well with hands as with hearts. Sing up, heart, &c.
ordinances from most of our sovereigns, and particularly when fire-arms had rendered this early form of defence comparatively worthless ; Henry VIII passed three several acts for promoting the practise of the long bow, one prohibiting the use of cross- bows and hand-guns ; another prohibiting all games in the open fields that would tend to prevent archery ; and a third obliging all men who were the king's subjects to exercise themselves with the long bow, and also to keep a bow and arrows continually in their houses. Only men who were sixty j-ears of age were exempt, but all younger were compelled to practise, and all fathers and guardians were enjoined to teach all male children who had ai-rived at seven years of age the use of the bow. Masters were ordei-ed to tind bows for apprentices, and to compel them to learn to shoot with them upon holidays, and at every other convenient time. By virtue of the same act, every man who kept a cross-bow in his house was liable to a penalty of ten pounds. (Strutt's Sports.) The decay of archery in England is lamented by Holinshed, but most by Bishop Latimer, who, in his sixth sermon, says, " the arte of shutynge hath been in times past much esteemed in this realme ; it is a gyft of God, that he hath given us to excell all other nacions wythall. It hath bene Goddes instrumente, whereby he hath given us manye victories agaynste onre enemies. A wonderous thynge, that so exalaunte a gyft of God shoulde be so lyttle esteemed. I desire you, my lordes, even as you love honoure, and gloryc of God, and intonde to remove his indignacion, let there be sent fourth a proolania- cion, some sharpe proclamacion, to the iustices of the peace, for they do not thcyr dutic ; charge them upon their allegiance, that thys singular benefit of God may be practised." To judge from the Journal of Edward VI in the British Museum, this young king appears to have been fond of archery. (Meyrick's Critical Inquiry into Ancient Arras and Armour.)
THE CIVIC GARLAND, 1 1
Yee children that are towards, sing up and downe; And never play the cowards to him that weareth the
crown. But alway bee you sure his pleasure to fulfil, Then shall you keep right sure, the honour of England
still.
Sing up, heart, &c.
THE SONG OF TROYNOVANT.
This production of Thomas Dekker was sung on the passage of King James I through London, to his coronation, March 1603-4, by " two boyes, choristers of Paules," at the conclusion of a pageant emblematic of the benefits derived from the accession of James. It was sung, we are told, " to a loude and excellent musicke, composed of violins, and another rare artificiall instru- ment, wherein, besides sundrie severall sounds eifused all at one time, were also sensibly distinguisht the chirpings of birds." For some I'emarks on the name Troynovant, as applied to London, see the notes to my " Lord Mayoi's' Pageants," Part IL
Troynovant is now no more a citie; O great pittie ! is't not a pittie ?
And yet her towers on tiptoe stand.
Like pageants built on fairie land, And her marble armes, Like to magicke charmes,
Binde thousands faste unto her.
That for her wealth and beauty daily wooe her, Yet for all this, is't not a pittie ? Troynovant is now no more a citie.
12 THE CIVIC GARLAND.
Troynovant is now a sommer arbour,
Or the nest wherein doth harbour The Eagle, of all birds that flie The souveraigne, for his peircing eie. If you wisely marke, 'Tis besides a parke. Where runnes (being newly borne) With the fierce Lyon, the faire Unicorne ;*
Or else it is a wedding hall,
Where foure great kingdomes holde a festivall.
Troynovant is now a bridall chamber, Whose roofe is gold, floore is of amber,
By vertue of that holy light
That burns in Hymens hand, more bright Than the silver moone, Or the torch of noone.
Harke, what the ecchoes say !
Brittaine till now ne're kept a holiday ! For Jove dwels heere; and 'tis no pittie, If Troynovant be now no more a cittie.f
* This alludes to the supporters of the royal arms, then "newly borne," but which have continued the same to the pre- sent day. (Note by Nichols in his " Progresses of James I.")
f Dekker follows his song by this somewhat curious apo- loo-y: — "nor let the scrue of any wresting comment upon these words,
" Troynovant is now no more a citie"
enforce the authors invention away from his owne clearc, straight, and liarmlcsse mcaningo ; all the scope of this fiction stretching
THE CIVIC GARLAND. 13
SONG IN PRAISE OF SIR THOMAS MIDDLETON.
From the mayoralty pageant of 1613, by Thomas Middletoa the city poet. It is sung on the mayor's first appearance, and is thus introduced in the pamphlet descriptive of the day's proceedings : — " At Soper-lanc end a senate house (is) erected, upon which musitians sit playing; and more to quicken time, a sweet voyce (is) married to these wordes." London, " who is attired like a reverend mother," is the person addressed in the song.
Mother of many honorable sonnes, Thinke not the glasse too slowly riinnes, That in Time's hand is set, Because thy worthy sonne appeares not yet: Lady be pleased, the hower growes on, Thy joy will be compleate anon;
onely to this point, that London, to do honour to this day, wherin springs up all her hapjjiness, being ravished with unut- terable joyes, makes no account for the present of her ancient title to be called a cittie, because that, during these tri- umphs, she puts off her formal habit of trade and commerce, treading even thrift itself under foote, but now becomes a reveller and a courtier. So that albeit in the end of the first stanza 'tis said, —
" Yet for all this, is't not a pitlie, Troynovant is now no more a cittie ?"
" By a figure called Castigatio, or the mender, heere followes presently a reproofe ; wherein tytles of somraer arbor, the eagle's nest, a wedding hall, &c. are throwne upon her, the least of them being at this time, by vertue of poeticall heraldrye, but especial- lie in regard of the state that now upholds her, thought to be names of more honour than her owne. And this short apologie doth our verse make for itselfo, in regard that some, to whose settled judgment and authoritie the censure of these devices was referred, brought, though not bitterly, the life of these lines into question."
14 THE CIVTC GARLAND.
Thou shalt behold
The man enroll'd In honour's bookes, whom vertue raises;
Love-circled round,
His triumphs crowu'd, With all good wishes, prayers, and praises.
What greater comfort to a mother's heart,
Than to behold her sonnes desert :
Goe hand in hand with love.
Respect, and honor, blessings from above!
It is of power all greefes to kill,
And with a floud of joy to fill
Thy aged eyes.
To see him rise. With glory deck'd, where expectation,
Gi'ace, truth and ftime,
Met in his name, Attends his honor's confirmation.*
" THE SONG OF ROBIN HOOD AND HIS HUNTESMEN."
From Anthony Munday's pageant for 1615, entitled, " Metro- polis Coronata, the Triumphes of Ancient Drapery." Munday
* This pageant has been reprinted in Nichols's "Progresses of King James I," but, as the Rev. A. Dyce notices in his edition of Middleton's works, the second stanza of this song is oniitted altogether. In the old edition it is given at the end of the pageant, with the musical notes to which it was sung.
THE CIVIC GARLAND. 15
was a popular ballad writer, and the easy flow of the verses of this song denote a hand well practised in this species of compo- sition. Some account of this author will be found in my "Lord Mayors' Pageants," Part I, p. 31, note.
Now wend we together, my merry men all,
Unto the forrest side-a; And there to strike a buck or a doe.
Let our cunning all be tried-a.
Then goe we merrily, merrily, on,
To the green-wood to take up our stand,
Where we will lye in waite for our game, With our bent bowes in our hand.
What life is there like to Robin Hood ?
It is so pleasant a thing-a; In merry Shirwood he spends his dayes
As pleasantly as a king-a.
No man may compare with Robin Hood, With Robin Hood, Scathlocke, and John;
Their like was never, nor never will be. If in case that they were gone.
They will not away from meiTy Shirwood,
In any place else to dwell. For there is neither city nor towne
That likes them halfe so well-
16 THE CIVIC GARLAND.
Our lives are wholly given to hunt, And haunt the merry greene-wood,
Where our best service is daily spent For our master Robin Hood.
THE SONG OF PEACE.
This song, by the city poet, Thomas MidcUeton, is extracted from his " Civitatis Amor, The Citie's Love. An entertaine- ment by water al Chelsey and Whitehall, at the ioyfull receiving of that illustrious hope of Great Britaine, the high and mighty Charles, to be created Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall, Earle of Chester, &c." Nov. 4th, 1616. On this occasion the mayor, aldermen, and several companies of the City of London, " were ready attending, with a great traine and costly entertain- ment, to receive his Highnesse at Chelsie ; their barges richly deckt with banners, streamers, and ensignes, and sundry sorts of lowd-sounding instruments, aptly placed amongst them." A personage figuring London, who is seated upon a sea-unicorn^ attended by tritons, and accompanied by Neptune, the Thames, and the Dee, meet the prince near Chelsea, and after the delivery of some complimentary verses, attend on him to Whitehall, where they are joined by Hope and Peace. The latter personage " sitting on a dolphin with her sacred quire," addresses the prince, (afterwards Charles I), in the following song.
Welcome, oh welcome, spring of joy and peace!
Born to be honour'd and to give encrease
To those that waite upon thy graces;
Behold the many thousand faces
That make this amorous flood
Looke like a moving wood,
Usurping all her cristall spaces;
THE CIVIC GARLAND. 17
'Mongst which the citie '« love is first,
Whose expectations sacred thirst
Nothing truely could allay,
But such a prince and such a day.
Welcome, Oh welcome; all faire joyes attend thee!
Glorie of life, to safety we commend thee !
SONG OF THE MUSES.
From Squire's Tryumph of Peace, 1620. The Muses appear with Apollo in the second water pageant, called Pernassus Mount. '• This accompanied the lord maior up to Westminstir, with variety of musique, where, while his honor was taking the oath, it returned backe, and met him in Paule's Church-yard, where Euterpe and Terpsichore entertained him with this song."
We muses of the pleasant hill,
That bathe within the Thespian spring, That did direct the Grecians quill,
Who of olde Pelius' sonne did sing, We that Amphion did inspire
With admired strains and layes. And did infuse a sacred fire
In both these to gaine the bayes. We ApoUoes hand-mayds Nine,
Come to meet thee on the way. That unto thy honours shrine,
We might dedicate this day; And this ditty us among.
So curiously shal wrest thy glory, That the envious 'mongst this throng
Shall confesse it merits .story.
18 THE CIVIC GARLAND,
SONG IN PRAISE OF COUNTRY INNOCENCE.
From John Tatham's London's Tryiiwph, 1658, It was sung by the persons in the first pageant that clay exhibited, which " re- presented the manufacture of cUith-working." See History of Lord Mayors' Pageants, Part I, p. 66, for the passage in Tatham's descriptive pamphlet which introduces this song.
Who can boast a happinesse More securely safe than we :
Since our harmless thoughts we- dress, In a pure simplicitie:
And chaste nature doth dispence, Here her beauties innocence.
Envy is a stranger here ;
Blest content our bowls doth crown : Let such slave themselves to fear,
On whose guilt the judge doth frown We from evill actions are
Free, as uncorrupted ayrc.
With the turtles whisper love, With the birds do practice mirth :
With our harmless shecpe we move, And receive our food from earth :
Nor doe we disdaine to be
Cloth'd witli the Lambs Livcrie.
THE CIVIC GARLAND. 1.9
A DIALOGUE BETAVIXT TOM AND DICK,
The former a Countryman, the other a Citizen. Presented to his
Excellency and the Councill of State at Drapers' Hall,
in London, March 28th, 1660.
To the tune of Lie never love thee more.
The period at which this dialogue was sung renders it of peculiar interest; and it may be looked on as an early revival of the semi- dramatic entertainments that had been frowned down by the Puritans, and which were usually exhibited on great occasions in the city. Its chief interest arises from the fact of Monk not having made his real intentions public at this period; indeed, he continued to wear the mask when it was no longer necessary ; and it was not until the fii'st of the following May, when Sir John Granville brought despatches, and the declaration of Breda from Charles II to Monk, in the council of state, (and for which he was put under arrest for the sake of appearances), that bis real meaning was known. He thus fully sounded parliament, and felt the pulse of the nation, who at this time were thoroughly tired of the Protectorate, and hailed Monk as a deliverer. The citizens were among the earliest to embrace the change, and the lord mayor and common council gave Granville £300, and named some of their council to wait upon his majesty. The dialogue here reprinted must have assured Monk, who acted throughout with the most consummate carefulness, of the safety of the course he had determined on taking: it was written by Thomas Jor- dan, who was made city-poet at the Restoration, — (See the introduction to my reprint of his Triumphs of London, 1678, Lord 3Iai/ors' Pageants, Part II), and is to be found in that very rare collection of political songs, Batts rhimed to Death, or the Bump Parliament hang'dup in the Shambles, 1660, where it is printed anon^'niously.
Tom. Now would I give my life to see This wondrous man of might. Dick. Do'st see that jolly lad ? That's he ; I'le warrant him he's right. Ther's a true Trojan in his face,
c 2
20 THE CIVIC GARLAND.
Observe him o're and o're.
Dick. Come, Tom, if ever George be base, ) ^,
T.T , 1 i^ 11 r Chorus.
Ne re trust good lellow more. J
He's none of that fantastique brood That murther while they pray:
That trusse and cheat us for our good, (All in a godly way.)
He drinks no blood, and they no sack
Into their gutts will poure.
But if George does not the knack, » _,,
i Chorus. Ne re trust good fellow more. j
His quiet conscience needs no guard.
He's brave, but full of pitty. Tom. Yet, by your leave, he kuock'd so hard,
H'ad like t' awak'd the city. Dick. Fool, 'twas the Rump that let
The chains and gates it tore,
ButifGeorgebearesnota true heart, \ ^,
° 1 Chorus.
Ne're trust good fellow more. '
Tom. Your city blades are cunning rooks, How rarely you collogue him ? But when your gates flew off the hooks. You did as much be-rogue him. Dick. Pugh ! Twas the Rump did onely feel The blowes the city bore : But if George be'nt as true as steel Ne're trust good fellow more.
J- Chorus.
THE CIVIC GARLAND. 21
Come, by this hand we'll crack a quart, Thou'lt pledge his health I trow. Tom. Tope, boy. — Dick. A lusty dish, my heart, Away w'ot. — Tom. Let it go.
Drench me, you slave, in a full bowle
rie take't an 'twere a score.
Dick. Nay if George be 'nt a hearty soul, ) ^.
^T , -. r. 1, r Chorus.
Ne re trust good lellow more. J
Tom. But heark you, sirrah, we're too loud,
Hee'l hang us by and by ; Methinks he should be vengeance proud. Dick. No more then thee or I. Tom. Why then I'le give him the best blade
That e're the bilbo wore. Dick. If George prove not a bonney lad, )
TVT , , ^ 11 . Chorus,
JNere trust good lellow moi-e.
Tom. 'Twas well he came, we'd mawll'd the tail ;
We've all thrown up our farms, And from the musket to the flayl
Put all our men in arms, The girles had ta'ne the members down,
Ne're saw such things before.
Dick. If George speak not the town our own ) ^,
TVT , , mi I Chorus
Ne re trust good fellow more. J
Dick. But, pre'the, are the folk so mad? Tom. So mad say'st ? They're undone,
22 THE CIVIC GARLAND.
There's not a penny to be had,
And every mother's sonne Must fight, if he intend to eate,
Grow valiant, now he is poor.
Dick. Come, yet if George don't do the feat, 1
' •' ° V Chorus.
Ne're trust good fellow more. }
Tom. Why, Richard, 'tis a devilish thing ;
We're not left worth a groat. My Doll has sold her wedding-ring,
And Sue has pawn'd her coat. The sniv'ling rogues abus'd our scj[uire,
And call'd our mistresse whore.
Dick. Yet, if George don't what we desire, ) ^„
, - „ J- Chorus.
Ne're trust good fellow more. J
Tom. By this good day, I did but speak, They took my py-ball'd mare, And put the carri'on wench to th' squeak,
(Things go against the hair.) Our prick-ar'd cor'nell looks as bigg Still, as he did before. Dick. And yet if George don't humme his gigg, ) p, Ne're trust good fellow more. J
Faith, Tom, our case is much at one, AVe're broak for want of trade ;
Our city's baffled and undone. Betwixt the Rump and blade.
THE CIVIC GARLAND. 23
We've emptied both our veins and baggs
Upon a factious score ; If George compassion not our raggs, )
Ne're trust good fellow more. J
Tom. But what doest think should be the cause Whence all these mischiefs spring ?
Dick. Our damned breach of oath and laws,
Our murther of the king.
We have been slaves since Charl's his reign,
We liv'd like lords before.
If George don't set all right again, \ -,, T,.T , -,,.,, r <-^horus.
We re trust good lellow more. J
Tom. Our vicar — (and hee's one that knows) — Told me once, — I know what : — (And yet the chief is woundly close) Rich. Tis all the better ; — That.
Ha's too much honesty and witt.
To let his tongue run o're. If this prove not a lucky hitt, ) Ne're trust good fellow more. J
Shall's ask him, what he means to do ? Tom. — Good faith, with all my heart;
Thou mak'st the better leg o' th' two :
Take thou the better part. rie follow, if thow't lead the van, Rich. Content, — I'le march before.
If George prove not a gallant man, ) Ne're trust good fellow more. J
24 THE CIVIC GARLAND.
My lord ! in us the nation craves
But what you're bound to do.
Tom. We have liv'd drudges. — Ric. — And we slaves.
Both. "We would not die so too.
Restore us but our laws agen ;
Th' unborn shall thee adore :
If George denies us his Amen, \ ^.
° \ Chorus.
Ne're trust good fellow more, J
A SHORT REPRESENTATION PERFORMED BEFORE THE LORD GENERAL MONK,
At Goldsmiths' Hall, Tuesday, April 11th. By three persous, an Englishman, a Welshman, and a Scotchman.
London : printed for Thomas Morgan, and are to be sold at the Royal Exchange, in Cornhill, 1660.
This dramatic trifle, conceived pro <em;wre, and having allusion only to the unsettled state of the country, isstill of much interest, as it evidently was intended to assure Monk of the feeling held by the most powerful body in the city, at ;. time when his inten- tions wer'^ only suspected. At this period most of the city compa- nies entertained Monk, and were careful to point out their opinion of the necessity of a change, by some allusion either in a song or speech. The Goldsmiths, Fishmongers, Skinners, and Dra- pers thus displayed their feeling. Tlie spceche.N at the three former entertainments are given in Jordan's Nursery of Novelties. Monk had visited Goldsmith's Hull on April 9th, and heard a speech " from a sea-captain, after a song concluding with a chorus of Amity." This " representation," performed at ^lie same place two days afterwards, was printed as u (juarto tract of four leaves; a copy is in the library of the City of London, at GiiiUlhall.
THE CIVIC GARLAND. 25
Officer. — How now, friends ! whither are you crowd- ing so fast ? Pray get ye back again and wipe your shoos. Who invited you, I wonder ? If y'are hungry, stay till the scraps come forth, which will be about four or five hours hence.
Englishman. — Pray, good man, Jack-hold-my-staffe, be good in your office. Sirrah, we came to see the General ; vve have as much businesse with him as the best of 'em all that has invited him hither.
Office!'. — We'll hear no petitions to day.
Englishman. — Petition ! we come not to petition, friend ! he has done our businesse without a petition already.
Officer. — He had much to do, I warrant, when he did your businesse.
Englishman. — Friend, you need not be so angry; we come not to defraud you of the least bit that you intend to carry home to your wife for her provision till the next quarter feast ; for, give me leave to tell thee, we have been as good housekeepers as some of your masters, and kept better men then thou to wipe our shoos, and now I hope we shall do so again.
Officer. — You are sufferers then in the times. Her 's one, I warrant, whose catt has dy'd with eating a poy- son'd ratt. Her's another who's two ducks and one drake used to sleep at his bed's head, and he has now lost all, by the maledictions of the old witch, his neigh- bour. Her's another had but one torn shirt, which was stollen by a gypsie as it hung upon a hedge a-drying,
2b' THE CIVIC GARLAND.
one Saturday in the afternoon. And for your part, Goodman Prate-a-pace, what have you lost, I wonder? your dogs-leather hedging-gloves, I warrant, or some such precious piece of treasure !
Englishman. — The fellow would fain be witty before the Masters of the Company. Alas ! it would stand thee in little stead had we a mind to retort ; but that is not our businesse. We are come to make our General merry, for making us meriy. Sirrah, we have been at charges for a jmivet, and the fidlers, and, there- fore, I tell thee we will see our General], and sing him a song, and give him thanks for his care of us all.
Welshman. — Sirrah, if her will not [let her] see her Sheneral, and sing her a fine song, which her ha pay'd her share for the making, her will preak her pusee- potie's pate.
Officer. — T care not for your songs ; you come not here unlesse I know better who you are.
Englishman. — Friend, I am a Cheshire-man who had lost my tenure of a good farm for siding with my landlord. Sir George Booth, but I now have got it again, thanks to our General.
Welshman. — And her pe shentleman of Wallis, and her lost her create fortune for her creat loofe to her ci-eat landlord, Sir Thomas Middleton; but her have cot it acain, her thank her cood Sheneral.
Scot. — In troath noow they hud gotten een aw ; and aw for becose Ise ha sarved my gude loard and mais- ser, the King. But whare be those muckle traitors noow ? introath, friend, wee's come for nething else
THE CIVIC GARLAND. 27
but to garr the General take notice of our loove, — tell liim for his muckle paiiies and care of us, and of aw the kingdom.
Officer. — Well, stay there, and if the Generall will be troubled with your impertinences, I'le give ye notice.
Englishman. — Now thou speak'st like an honest fellow ; dost heare ? if thou canst but get us in, wee'l give thee sixpence a piece.
After a little pause the Officer returns.
Officer. — AVel, if your song be good you may come in, but be advis'd of that, for if it ben't, you'l be soundly, soundly laught at; and for your poet, tell him from me, if he come oif basely, the Company will not give him a brass token ; and so you lose your credit, and he his labour.
Englishman.
To the tune of The Grecian Army.
No more good people, talk no more Of what the Champion did of yoi-e; I care not a pin what stories forge Of Bevis, or of great St. George, Who dragon did slaughter. To get the king's fair daughter
For his wifej Which was truly. And most duly.
The bravest thinij he did in his life.
28 THE CIVIC GARLAND.
Scotchman,
To the Highlander's New Rant.
Nor Ise ne care at aw
For kuintry man, St. Andrew, Although he ware as gude a swerd
As ever mucklc man drew. For though he did redeem
The ladies fair and breeght, Yet had the swains bin still But for gude Willy's leeght. Away then, Stay not, What gare's us be silent ? Wee'l feast our Monk, though now it be high Lent.
Welshman.
To >,he tune of Fortune, Sfc. Nor for our old St. Taffie to I care,
Who slew a mighty shyant without laughter; Yet for th' excessive pains he took that tay,
Full fast he sleeped seaven whole years after.
Englishman.
To tlie tunc of JUiut you please.
But our St. George hath set as free From a base Rump's bold slavery; Poor England now shall bleed no more ;
fVelshman. And Wallis sal pe as her was before.
THE CIVIC GARLAND. 29
Scotchman.
The war in Scotland first did swagger,
But there first ends, Jemmy put up thy dagger.
To the tune of The Grecian Army, as before.
You base Excisemen and commitee's That swagger'd over towns and city's. While the sad ploughmen plough'd in grief. And yet poor swains had no relief.
Must now go down,
And stoop to the abused clown ;
For like the sun
In his glory.
In his story Monk is resolv'd not to be out don.
Scotchman,
To the tune of The Highlanders New Rant, as before.
Ah! out! out away phanaticks!
"Who ken not what yee'd have ; Your plots be aw discover'd
The nation to enslave ; Our cities now ne mere shall pay
The hire of their fetters ; Ne mere shall major generals Now rant it or'e their betters ; For Monk's come, That Monk Whom all men prize To heal up all our past maladies.
30 THE CIVIC GARLAND.
Welshman.
To the tune of Fortune.
And now lier tested cheese, her eat and sing, And freely drink a health unto her king: Ap Thomas ap Middleton give me thy hand, For now our sister Chester's walls shall stand.
Chorus. To the tune Q. Dido.*
Brave hero, then in thy brave rage
Proceed, which hath i-ais'd up our age, To say you were from heaven let down,
To give the wronged heir his crown. For well the wayes of truth you take The ballance even now to make. All our long differences bend
Ah'eady to a settled end. For which we now must all agree
To give the stile of just to thee, Bequeathing unto after story
The care of thy uublemisli't glory.
* All the tunes named in this entertainment may be found in the various editions of Playford's Ev gli si i Dancing Master, 1650-1721. The two last mentioned are as old aa the time of Shakspere.
THE CIVIC GARLAND. 31
SONG OF WELCOME TO KING CHARLES THE SECOND.
From Ogilby's Relation of his Majesty's entertainment passitig thmigh the City of London to his Coronation, April 22, 1661, on which occasion it was sung by Concord, Love, and Truth, in the third triumphal arch or pageant which was placed " near Wood- street end, not far from the place where the Cross formerly stood." The musick, we are told, was '* all composed by Matthew Lock, Esq., composer in ordinary to his majesty." The allusion to Charles as the prince whom — " The stars so long foretold"
in the second line of this song, refers to the appearance of a star on the morning of his birth, Saturday, May 29 th, 1630, and in the fourth pageant this day exhibited, Plenty addresses him with —
" Great Sir; tlie star which at your happy birth Joy'd with his beames at noon tlie wond'ring earth, Did with auspicious lustre, tlien, presage The glitt'ring plenty of this golden age."
This star was a fertile subject for the flatterers of Charles, and they carried their adulation to a great length. One Edward Matthew "of the Middle Temple, Esq.," published in 1661 a small volume in 12mo, entirely on this subject; it is entitled " The most glorious Star, or celestial constellation of the Pleiades or Charles's waine, appearing and shining most brightly in a miraculous manner in the face of the sun at noonday, at the nativity of our sacred sovereign King Charles II, presaging his majesties exaltation to future honour and greatnesse, transcending not only the most potent Christian princes in Europe, but by Divine designment ordained to be the most mighty monarch in the universe; never any starre having appeared before at the birth of any, (the highest humane hei-o), except our Saviour." From this title page the whole tenour of the book, (which is said to be "printed for the use and benefit of William Byron, Gent)" may be guessed at. Flattery, is in fact, carried to the very extreme, and the author declares that " as Christ Jesus was the world's celestiall and eternal saviour, so hath God sent
32 THE CIVIC GARLAND.
our soveraigne king to be a terrestrial temporal saviour" to the three kingdoms. He then endeavours to pro^e the stai' the same as that which appeared at the Saviour's birth; and j/rophccics, dreams, and prodigies are all raked together to show that Chai-les was by "Divine Providence pre-ordained to be the most pious, prudent, and potent prince in the universe." His sufferings are parallelled with the Saviour's, " the same time of age, (about thirtj-), and of the year when our Saviours resurrection and ascen- sion came to passe. Divine Providence hath brought to passe for our soveraigne King Charles, his restitution to his just rights, and his ascension to his royall sceptre and crowne." In the same strain the author explains the seven stars held in the hands of " one like the Son of Man" in the Revelations, as intended to typify Charles the Second " our king, in the hand of our God," and proposes that May, the month in which he was born, bo henceforth called Carolus, as heaven does not disdain to have a celestial sign known b}- the name of Charles." Without some such proof as this of the intoxication of men's 'uinds at the Restora- tion, it is impossible to understand the licenses allowed to Cliarles, and a debauched court : licenses, that in the end, deprived them all of a people's love, and destroyed the honour and liberty of the nation.
Comes not liere the king of peace, Triioni tlie stars so long- foretold
From all woes should us release, Converting iron times to gold? Behold, behold!
Our prince confirm'd by heav'nly signs, Brings healing balm, Brings healing balm, and anodines. To close our wounds, and pain asswage.
He comes with conqu'ring bays, and palm, Where swelling billows us'd to rage,
THE CIVIC GARLAND. 33
Gliding on a silver calm;
Let these arched roofs resound^ Joyning instruments, and voice,
Fright pale spirits underground ; But let heav'n and earth rejoyce,
We our happiness have found.
He, thus marching to be crown'd, Attended with this glorious train, From civil broils Shall free these isles,
Whilst hee and his posterity shall reign.
Who follow trade, or study arts.
Improving pasture or the plow. Or furrow waves to foreign parts.
Use your whole endeavours now. His brow, his brow, Bids your hearts as well as hands, Together joyn.
Together joyning bless these lands ; Peace and concord, never poor. Will make with wealth these streets to shine,
Ships freight with spice, and golden ore, Your fields with honey, milk, and wine.
To supply our neighbours store.
34 THE CIVIC GARLAND.
SONG OF THE WATERMEN.
From " Aqua Triumphalis ; being a true relation of the Honourable the City of London's entertaining their sacred Majesties upon the river of Thames, and wellcoming them from Hampton Court to Whitehall. Expressed and set forth in severall shews and pageants, the 23 day of August, 1662." The production of the city poet, John Tatham.
The barges of the twelve companies were, on this occasion, carried up the river as far as Chelsea, and " most of the barges are attended with a pageant." These pageants were "placed at the head of every barge." The Mercers exhibited their crowned Virgin seated with three maids of Honour and six pages. The Drapers exhibited a "grave Roman magistrate, habited in a long robe, on his head a helmet, in his right hand he holds a sceptre, in his left a triple crown, a sword girt to him. His attendants are four ; Loyalty, Truth, Fame, and Honour. The stage of the Merchant Taylors' pageant is twelve feet long, and seven broad, arched with a wild arbour made in manner of a wildernesse, where is seated an aged man representing a pilgrim, and habited accordingly. In one hand he holds a staff, in the other a banner, bearing the figure of a golden lamb, with this motto ' inter nocentes innocens.' This alludes to St. John, the patron of their company: for his attend- ants he hath Faith, Hope, and Charity." They also exhibited the supporters of the company's arms, and the camels and Indians, as usual in the pageants of the mayors of that company. The Gold- smiths exhibited a figure of Justice, under a canopy of state, at- tended by two virgins. The " bravery " of the other companies pageants are not described," lest it be too tedious." The day's pro- ceedings are thus briefly given : — " between 8 and 9 of the clock, the Lord Mayor and court of Aldermen move toward Chelsey, where they attend their Majesties comming from Putney, and then the Lord Mayor leads the waj' down the river before their Majesties. The grand pageants appointed for this day are placed thus: the first at Chelsey; the second between Fox-hall and Lambeth ; the third at the private staires at Whitehall. There are two drolls, one of Watermen, the other of Seamen, con- tinually imployed in dancing and singing; the droll of Water-
THE CIVIC GARLAND. 35
men is placed between Chelsey and Fox-hall. That of Seamen between Lambeth and Whitehall, cross the Thames, where there is severall tricks of activity performed, both on the stage and the rope ; and the Seamen throw themselves into severall antick postures and dances." The three grand pageants are a sea chariot drawn by sea horses, in which sits Isis and her water nymphs ; an island, upon which is seated Thames, " an old man with long hair and beard," attended by water nymphs, one bearing on her head " the figure of Greenwich castle," the other, " the figure of Windsor castle." A lion and unicorn stand in front, upon which a Scotch and English boy is seated, bearing the national ban- ners : " a sea chariot made in the manner of a scallop shell, drawn with two dolphins, on whose backs are placed two Tritons." In this chariot Thetis appears. Isis, Thames, and Thetis, each ad- dress long rhyming speeches to their Majesties.
Two songs are sung, one in the " droll of Watermen," which is this one now printed, the other a short song and chorus of ten lines, in the " droll of Indians and Seamen." The songs, we are told, " were set by Mi-. John Gamble, one of his Majesties ser- vants, a person well known in musick." This composer, termed " a play house musician," was a celebrated performer on the Viol da Gamba, and one of Charles II's famous " four-and-twenty fid- dlers : " he was a pupil of Ambrose Beyland, and published two books of "Ayres and Dialogues," in 1651 and 1659, the poetry of which was the composition of Thomas Stanley. Gamble appears to have been always intimate with the city poets, as recommend- atory verses to his first book were written by Tatham, and to his second by Thomas Jordan. He died in 1680.
Let sadness flie, boyes, flie, The king and queen draw nigh,
And their loyal train
Pour in amain, Like hailstones from the skie,
The town to fill,
And fears to kill The tradesmen had of breaking,
D 2
36 THE CIVIC GARLAND.
Who scarce a pennie
"Would spare to any, They were so poor and sneaking; But now
Speed the plow. All will be
Imploy'd and free, From the Mercer to the Draper,
All sorts and all sizes
Of trades and devises, Will make us sing and caper.
The river shall no more Catch cold or be bound o're;
Wee'le keepe her in heat,
Use does the feat, Though winter fume and roare;
The prentice he.
Of each degree, To Lambeth or to Fox-hall,*
With their lasses, cry.
What oares will you ply? Where are you with a — all? See then
You be men. And stand to't,
Set a hand to't, That our stretchers may be working,
* A corruption of Vaux-hall, which derives its name from an ancient family of the name of Vuux, one of whom, Jane Vaux, occupied premises there in the year 1615.
THE CIVIC GARLAND. 37
For if you intend, boy, A penny to spend, boy, You must get it with yerkiug.
A lazie life is base. True labour we embrace;
'Tis the best physick
To cure the tissick, 111 humours purge apace;
Our sweats, and pains
Brings health and gains, Which makes us bouncing merry,
We ne're are orejoy'd,
Till we are employ 'd In sculler, oares, or wherry:
Then sing
Blesse the king
And the queen,
And all here seen. That masters are, and feed us
With meat and wine stored.
When they are once shored. And for Spring Garden* need us.
* A place of entertainment denominated Spring Garden (not an uncommon appellation for places of the kind near London) was situated opposite Vauxhall, and near the river. Pepys, in his diary, thus describes it:—" July 27, 1688. So over the water, with my wife and Deb, and Mercer, to Spring Garden, and there eat and walked ; and observed how rude some of the young gallants of the town are become, to go into people's arbors where there are not men, and almost force the women, which troubled me, to see the confidence of the vice of the age ; and so we away by water with much pleasure home."
4 5 3 >> I
38 THE CIVIC GARLAND.
A REVIEW OF THE TIMES.
From Jordan's "London Triumphant; or the Cityin jolUty and splendour. 1672." The King was present on this occasion, and dined with the Mayor in Guildhall; " where," saj-s Jordan, " his lordship and the guests being all seated, the city musii-k began to touch their instruments with very artful fingers ; and after a lesson being played, and their ears as well feasted as their mouths, a person with a good voice, in good humour, and audible utter- ance (the better to provoke digestion) sings this new droll, to the tune of With a fading."
Let's drink and droll, and dance and sing, And merrily cry, Long live the king: 'Tis friendship and peace Makes trading increase: Blind Fortune has plaid The changeable jade; We may curse her.
Lets sum up all that hath been done, Fx'om forty-two till seventy-one. Then he that loves changes.
Let him go on: But I'le venture my fiddle, and forty to one 'Twill be worser.
When ordinance laws beat down the kings. And Peters preach'd for thimbles and rings; *
* An allusion to the great general contributions of plate and money to aid the Parliament, made by the inhabitants of London in lf)42, when Charles I erected his standard at Nottingham, and prepared by force of arms, to crush tluxt liberty he had sworn to
THE CIVIC GARLAND. 39
When all that we priz'd Were sacrific'd;
What did it produce
For general use, But confusion.
The conjuring party raised then Spirits they ne're could lay agen; But sufFei*'d disasters, Their servants grew masters; Who slighted their votes, And cudgell'd their coats In conclusion.
Thus did our holy war succeed,
It made two hundred thousand bleed,
protect. With a noble emulation, " not only the wealthiest citi- zens and gentlemen who were near dwellers, brought in their large bags and goblets, but the poorer sort, like that widow in the Gospel, presented their mites also ; insomuch that it was a common jeer of men disaffected to the cause, to call this the thimble and bodkin army." (^May Hist. Parl.^
Butler alludes to this general levy in his " Hudibras," pt. i, canto 2, when he declares that the Londoners coined
bowls and flaggons,
Into officers of horse and dragoons ; And into piies and musqueteers Stamp beakers, cups, and porringers ; A thimble, bodkin, and a spoon. Did start up living men, as soon As in the furnace they were tlu-owu. Just like the dragon's teeth being sown."
And in part ii, canto 2, be alludes to the women who-
'■ Brought in their children's spoons and whistles, To purchase swords, carbines, and pistols."
40 THE CIVIC GARLAND.
And fellows that neither could write nor read, Did scatter in pulpits The sanctifi'd seed Of division. The captain of a troop of horse,* »Ciomwei.
With courage and conduct, cunning and force, TheCrown, King, and Kingdom, did divorce; And put the land into a Protecterly course. By excision.
And after that great fatal blow, What did become of all, you know. The right royal heir Return'd to his chair; By no means fallacious, But by a good gracious Director.
Now let us survey this present age, Where freedom enlargeth the bounds of the stage: 'Tis pleasanter far than ruin and rage. That swagger'd and sway'd AVhen Oliver play'd The Protector.
Our ensigns now are turn'd to smocks; And ladies fight with their fire-locks; Wine, women, and sturgeon, Make work for the surgeon. The bonny bulFjacket Duth tilt at a placket Of roses.
THE CIVIC GARLAND. 41
Thus have you heard the changes I'ung, As much as may be said or sung: We must he no talkers, For fear the night-walkers Do watch for our words, And wait with their swords, For our noses.*
* Slitting the nose, or otherwise disfigitring the face, was no uncommon mode of revenging a real or imagined insult in " the merry days " of Charles the Second. The court, as corrupt as the commons, participated in the same mode of revenge. In 1670, Sir John Coventry put a question in the House of Commons, which was taken as a reflection on the King's low amours ; he was denounced with fury at court, and Charles determined on revenge. " The Duke of York," says Burnet, "told me he said all he could to the King to divert him from the resolution he took, which was to send some of the guards, and watch in the streets where Sir John lodged, and leave a mark upon him. Sands and O'Brian, and some others went thither, and, as Coventry was going home, they drew about him. He stood up to the wall and snatched the flambeau out of his servant's hand, and with that in one hand and his sword in the other, he defended himself so well that he got more credit by it than by all the actions of his life. He wounded some of them, but was soon disarmed ; and then they cut his nose to the bone, to teach him to remember what respect he owed to the King ; and so they left him, and went back to the Duke of Monmouth's, where O'Brian's arm was dressed. That matter was executed by orders fi-om the Duke of Monmouth, for which he was severely censured, because he lived then in professions of friendship with Coventry, so that his sub- jection to the King was not thought an excuse for directing so vile an attempt on his friend, without sending him secret notice of what was designed. Coventry had his nose so well sewed up that the scar was scarcely to be discerned." This outrage was so atrocious, that even the Parliament could not overlook it ; and they passed a bill known by the name of the Coventry act, making cutting and maiming a capital offence: but they had not courage sufficient to bring the King's bravoes to trial.
42 THE CIVIC GARLAND.
THE DISCONTENTED CAVALIER.
This song, from the same mayoralty pageant as the preceding one, was snng immediately after it, and Jordan thus introduces it: " this droll being ended, and well approved, a hearty cup of wine is set round the table ; in the mean time, the musick express their skill in playing divers new sprightly ayres, whilst another musician, with a cup of sack puts his pipe in tune to sing this medley consisting of six several tunes." The freedom with which Jordan has thought proper to satirise the court, and the notorious ingratitude of Charles the Second to the cavaliers who had as- sisted in purse and person to reinstate him, is a little extraor- dinary, Charles being an invited guest, and of course compelled to hear it. Jordan seems to have felt on the conclusion of the " fifth ayre " that he had said quite enough, and excusing him- self, turns the subject as loyally as possible ; so that he tells us " the conclusion of the song gave occasion for a health to his Majesty, which was cheerfully performed."
FIRST AYRE.
I'll never trust good fellow more,
For I was told
My shelves should shine with gold, Bright as Tagus yellow shore: But now the iron age is gone,
An age of stone
I fear is rolling on ; Or a heavy leaden one.
Old loyalty is cranip'd with cold.
And laid aside like tales too often told.
Or not regarded, because 'tis old:
THE CIVIC GARLAND. 43
Our trumpet's turn'd into a slialm,*
But yet our wounds have neither tent nor bahn,
We freeze in fire, drown in a calm.
SECOND AYRE.
The city now
And country too, Cry out to the court they have nothing to do ;
Tlie stage and stews,
Our gallants use. And mostof our Gentiles are turn'd into Jews j
For when justice turns player,
We may despair
Of ever having an end on't. We have laid all our trade by, Ne're worse made by
Presbyter or Independant: It ner'e was so bad We ner'e were more mad ;
But we must needs fall.
When the dammees get all:
* Sir John Hawkins has engraved in his " History of Music," (vol. ii, p. 450) a representation of the Shalm, from Luscinius' "Musurgia," 1536; he says that its name is derived "from calamus, a reed, which is a part of it." It appears to have been a rude and warlike species of hautboy. It has been confounded by some writers with instruments of a totally different construction ; the clearest and best account of it to be met with is in Dauncy's preliminary dissertation to the "Ancient Scottish Melodies," pub- lished from the Skene MS., at Edinburgh, in 1838.
44 THE CIVIC GARLAND.
From a king-killing saint, Patch, powder and paint,
"Where e're they be,
Libera nos Domine.
THIRD AYRE.
The world is but a moral cheat, And every vice is good that's great; Religion is a nose of wax, Which politicks use to raise a tax: Lust is no sin in Fair white linnen.
Or a fair cambrick frock on: Yet for pride, Jane Shore died, Some say with never a smock on. The politician Calls ambition
By the name of honour; But fortune Spoils our tune,
A mischief light upon her.
FOURTH AYRE.
Hypocrisie and fair pretences
Convinces The city, the country, and camp. And all must pass current,
I'm sure on't,
THE CIVIC GARLAND. 45
That come from the mint with a politick stamp, The sects we have, And gallants brave
Do the self-same tenet hold,
For both can turn the gospel into gold ; To yea and nay We were a prey,
But in this our latter fall,
Your humble servant, madam, cheats us all.
FIFTH AYRE.
Little we find
In the turn of the wind
' For consolation; Times are well changed, but crimes are the same; Nothing is right To the minds that delight
In reformation; Pride and ambition are cocks of the game.
He that can gallant it in the French rode. Swear he is valiant, and dance a-la-mode,
By ladies letter-case,
Shall have a better place, Than me or he That hath indur'd the lode.
But still I hope that the Vice of the Times "Will not be permanent, pardon my rhimes,
46 THE CIVIC GARLAND.
I'll do no person wrong With my pen or my tongue, Though I let fly so high at lofty crimes.
SIXTH AYRE.
Leave oflP thinking now,
And laugh a little ; Fall a-drinking too,
And quaff a little.
Good Canary never Did miscarry ever ;
Drink, or no good fellow will care for ye : Wine will never prick out popish crotchets, Sack will never pick at copes and rochets ;
He that hatcheth treason
In a merry season, Is a fellow void of love and reason.
They that freely tipple, envy none that rise,
But are well contented,
And consented,
(Untorraented)
To be truly out of care,
And free from that plague Which rides like a hag, the wise.
Let us all be merry, laugh, and (diange our drink ; Hold it, fill it, swill it ;
THE CIVIC GARLAND. 47
Drink it fair, and do not spill it ; Take it, Shake it, Vive le Roy.
We'll trade
And wade
In no other joy
But drink,
Then drink.*
* Jordan tells us, " after the King's health, the musick play a well composed lively suit of ayres, and make ready for a third song," which is sung " to the tune of Have at all," (The words of which are to be found in Ritson's Ancient Songs, under the title of the Neu' Courtier), and is filled with reflections on the tran- sitory nature of all things, and the follies of the day. The two following stanzas are all that are worth extracting as illustra- tive of manners; the burthen of the song being " Touch and go."
" The gayest gallants of our age Are become students of the stage : Oxford and C ambridge we lay by, For play-house university ;
Like glow-worms in the night they show, Wliom when the sun Doth peep upon,
Touch and go.
Another to express vain glory, Cryes dam him, ten times in one story ; He stares and struts at such a rate As if he'd hxeak St. George's pate ;
But when state stormy winds do blow. From drums and guns, Away he runs :
Touch and go."
48 THE CIVIC GARLAND.
THE PRODIGALS RESOLUTION.
This Song is also printed from Thomas Jordnn's "London Tri- umphant," 1672, where it is simply called " a song." It has been printed with the above title before 1682, as it appears with it in Heni-y Playfords collection of songs entitled " Wit and Mirth, an Antidote against Melancholy," the third edition of which book appeared in that year. Ritson printed it in his "Ancient Songs," adding the music fi-om Durfey's " Pills to purge melancholy," of which Playford's book (a small 8vo. of 128 pages) was the pre- cursor; and ho introduces it with "this Jordan was the pro- fessed pageant writer and poet laureat for the city, and, if author of the following piece, seems to have possessed a gi'cater share of poetical merit than usually fell to the lot of his profession."
I AM a lusty lively lad,
Now come to one-and-twenty, My father left me all be had,
Both gold and silver plenty: Now he's in grave, I will be brave,
The ladies shall adore me, rie court and kiss, what bur "^ in tliis?
My dad did so before me.
My father was a thrifty sir,
Till soul and body sundred, Some say he was a usui-er
For thirty in the hundred ; He scrapt and scratch t, she pinch'd and patcli'd.
That in her body bore me. But rie lot flie, good cause why.
My father was born before me.
THE CIVIC GARLAND, 49
My daddy had his duty done
In getting so much treasure ; I'le be as dutiful a son
For spending it in pleasure. Five pound a quart shall chear my lieart,
Such nectar will restore me ; When ladies call, I'le have at all,
My father was born before me.
My grandam lived in Washington,
M.y grandsir delv'd in ditches, The son of old John Thrashington,
Whose lanthorn leathern breeches Cry'd, Whether go ye ? whether go ye ?
Though men do now adore me, They ne'er did see my pedigree,
Nor who was born before me.
My grandsir striv'd, and wiv'd, and thriv'd,
Till he 'id riches gather, And when he had much wealth atchiev'd,
O! then he got my father. Of happy memory, cry I,
That e're his mother bore him, I had not been worth one penny
Had I been born before him.
To free-school, Cambridge, and Grays-Inn, My gray-coat grandsir put him,
60 THE CIVIC GARLAND.
Till to forget, he did begin,
The leathern breech that got him :
One dealt in straw, t'otlier in law, The one did ditch and delve it,
My father store of satin wore, My grandsir beggar's velvet.
So I get wealth, what care I if
My grandsir were a sawyer, My father prov'd to be a chief,
Subtle and learned lawyer. By Cook's Reports, and tricks in courts.
He did with treasure store me, That I may say, heavens bless the day
My father was born before me !
Some say of late, a merchant that
Had gotten store of riches. In 's dining-room hung up his hat.
His staif, and leathern breeches ; His stockings garter'd up with straws.
Ere Providence did store him; His son was sheriff of London, 'cause
His father was born before him.
So many blades that rant in silk, And put on scarlet cloathing,
At first did spring from butter-milk. Their ancestors worth nothing.
THE CIVIC GARLAND. 51
Old Adam, and our graiidani Eve,
By digging and by spinning, Did to all kings and princes give
Their radical beginning.
My father, to get my estate,
Though selfish, yet was slavish, I'll spend it at another rate,
And be as lewdly lavish ; From madmen, fools, and knaves, lie did
Litigiously receive it. If so he did, justice forbid
But I to such should leave it.
At play-houses, and Tennis-court,
I'll prove a noble fellow j I'll court my doxies to the sport,
Of, O brave Punchinello !*
* This is an early notice of this popular character. In the curious and amusing letter-press to Cruikshank's admirable illus- trations of the popular puppet-show, now known as " Punch and Judy," its learned author has been unable to discover any earlier notice for his chapter " on the arrival of Punch in En- gland," or that hero's popularity in our own country, than the annals of Anne's reign afforded. But he deduced from the fact " that no writer of the reign of Queen Anne, who notices him at all, speaks of him as a novelty," that he could not have " only recently emigrated from his native country." The above line shows that he was popularly known and appreciated in the reign of Charles n.
e2
52 THE CIVIC GARLAND.
I'll dice, and drab, and drink, and stnl), No Hector shall out-roar me;
If teachers tell me tales of hell. My father is gone before rae.
A SONG SUNG AT THE LORD MAYOR'S TABLE,
IN HONOUR OF THE CITY AND THE
GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY.
From Jordan's "Goldsmiths' Jubile," IC74, see "History of Lord Mayors' Pageants," (Part I, p. 82), Sir Robert Vyner, of the Goldsmiths' Company, being mayor. Charles II, the Queen, the Duke and Duchess of York, Prince Rupert, the Duke of Monmouth, and others of the nobilit}' were present at the banquet in Guildhall.
Let all the Nine Muses lay by their abuses,
Their railing, and drolling on tricks of the Strand, To pen us a ditty in praiise of the city, [mand.
Their treasure, and pleasure, their pow'r and com- Their feast, and guest, so temptingly drest.
Their kitchens all kingdoms replenish; In bountiful bowls they do succour their souls.
With claret, canary and Khenish : Their lives and wives in plentitude thrives.
They want neither meat nor money; The promised Land 's in a Londoner's hand,
They wallow in milk and honey.
THE CIVIC GARLAND. 53
For laws, and good orders, Jj. mayor, and recorders.
And sheriff, with councils, keep all in decorum ; The simple in safety from cruel and crafty,
When crimes of the times are presented before 'um. No town as this in Christendom is,
So quiet by day and night ; No ruffin, or drab, dares pilfer or stab,
And hurry away by flight : Should dangers come, at beat of drum,
(It is in such strong condition) An army 'twould raise in a very few days,
With money and ammunition.
For science, and reading, true wit, and good breeding,
No city's exceeding in bountiful fautors;* No town under heaven doth give, or has given,
Such portions to sons, or such dowries to daughters. Their name and fame doth through all the world flame.
For courage and gallant lives: No nation that grows, are more curstf to their foes,
Or kinder unto their wives : For bed and board, this place doth afford
A quiet repose for strangers ; The lord mayor and shi'ieves take such order with thieves.
Men sleep without fear of dangers.
For gownmen, and swordmen, this place did afford men, That were of great policy, power, and renown ;
* Benefactors. f Disagreeable. — Cross-grained.
54 THE CIVIC GARLAND.
A mayor of this city,* stout, valliant siiid witty,
Subdu'd a whole army, by stabbing of one ; A traytor, that ten thousand men gat
Together in war-like swarms ; And for this brave feat, his red dagger is set
In part of the city arms.f Should I declare the worthies that are.
And did to this place belong, Twould puzzle my wit : and I think it more tit
For a chronicle, than a song.
One meanly descended, and weakly attended,
By Fortune befriended, in this city plac'd, From pence unto crowns, from crowns unto pounds
Up to hundreds and thousands hath risen at last. In chain of gold, and treasure untold,
In skarlet, on horseback to boot ; (To th' joy of his mother) when his elder brother
It may be, has gone on foot. Such is the fate of temporal state,
For providence thinks it fit. Since the eldest begat must enjoy the estate,
The youngest shall have the wit.
I'lague, famine, fire, sword, as our stories record. Did unto this city severely fix.
* Sir William Walworth, who slew Wat Tyler. + See History of Lord Mayors' Paf^cauts, I'art I, p. 117, note, for a refutation of this " vulgar error."
THE CIVIC GARLAND. 55
And flaming September, will make us remember
One thousand six hundred sixty-six, When house, and hall, and churches did fall,
(A punishment due for our sin:) No town so quick burn'd into ashes was turn'd,
And sooner was built agen. Such is the fate of London's estate.
Sometimes sh' has a sorrowful sup Of miseries bowl ; but to quicken her soul.
For mercy doth hold her up.
Our ruines did show, five or six years ago,
Like an object of woe to all eyes that came nigh us: Yet now 'tis as gay as a garden in May,
Guildhall and th' Exchange are in Statu quo prius. Our feasts in halls, each company calls.
To treat 'um as welcome men: The Muses, all nine, do begin to drink wine ;
Apollo doth shine agen. True union and peace makes plenty encrease.
And every trade to spring : The city so wall'd, may be properly call'd
The chamber of Charles, our king.*
Our princes have been, (as on record is seen), Good authors and fautors of love to this place ;
By many good charters, to strengthen our quarters, With divers indulgences, favour, and grace.
* Catiiera Bcyis was a very ancient term tVn- tlu; city.
Ob' THE CIVIC GARLAND.
Their love so much to London is such,
They do, as occasion calls, Their freedom partake, for society sake, —
Kings have been made free of halls ! If city and court together consort,
This nation can never be undone : Then let the hall ring with God prosper the king I
And bless the lord mayor of London!
Chorus of five voices.
But for this honour'd Company, whose kindness this day, Prepar'd all these triumphs, we have something to say: For all their future welfare, we heartily pray That the Goldsmiths, the Goldsmiths, The Gold and Silver Goldsmiths may. With gold and silver plenty, And treasures never empty, Thrive on 'till the latter day.
THE CIVIC GARLAND. 57
THE EPICURE.
Fkom Jordan's " Triumphs of London," 1675. I have mentioned (Pageants, Part I, p. 84,) tliat Ritson has printed this song in his collection of " Ancient Songs," bnt I omitted to say that the verses there are transposed, the sixth taking the place of the fourth, &c., while the two concluding verses are entirely omitted. He speaks of " a copy of it, with considerable variations, and some addi- tional stanzas in the valuable collection of Major Pearson," which was no doubt printed for the use of the ballad-singers, as many of Jordan's songs were of a popular character, and much sung in his own day. Ritson entitles it " The Town Gallant;" iu the pageant it is called " The Epicure ; sung bj' one in the habit of a town gallant," and is thus introduced : — " his lordship and the guests being all seated, the city musick begin to touch their instruments with very artful fingers, and after a lesson being played, and their ears as well feasted as their mouths; an acute person with a good voice, good humour, and audible utterance, (the better to provoke digestion), sings this new droll." I have adopted a few of Ritson's readings where they improve the sense.
Let us drink and be merry, dance, joke and rejoice, AVith claret, and sherry, theorbo, and voice ; The changeable world to our joy is unjust, All treasure's uncertain, then down with your dust ; In frolicks dispose your pounds, shillings, and pence, For we shall be nothing a hundred years hence.
We'll kiss and be free with Moll, Betty, and Philly, Have oysters and lobsters, and maids by the belly ; Fish dinners will make a lass spring like a flea, Dame Venus, love's goddess, was born of the sea ; With her and with Bacchus we'll tickle the sense, For we shall be past it a hundred years hence.
58 THE CIVIC GARLAND.
Your most beautiful bit, that hatb all eyes upon her, That her honesty sells for a hogo of honour, [splendor, Whose lightness and brightness doth shine in such That none but the stars are thought fit to attend her ; Though now she be pleasant and sweet to the sense, Will be damnably mouldy a hundred years hence.
Then why should we turmoil in cares and in fears. Turn all our tranquillity to sighs and to tears ? Let's eat, drink, and play, till the worms do corrupt us, 'Tis certain that Post mortem nulla voluptas :
Let's deal with our damsels, that we may from thence Have broods to succeed us a hundred years hence.
Your usurer that in the hundred takes twenty. Who wants in his wealth, and doth pine in his plenty, Lays up for a season which he ne'er shall see, The year of one thousand eight hundred and three ; His wit, and his wealth, his law, learning, and sense, Shall be turned into nothing a hundred years hence.
Your chancery-lawyer, who by subtilety thrives. In spinning out suits to the length of three lives. Such suits which the clients do wear out in slavery, Whilstpleader makes conscience a cloak for his knavery. May boast of his subtlety in the present tense, But non est inventus a hundred years hence.
Your most Christian Mounsieur, who rants it in riot, Not sufiering his more Christian neighbours live quiet;
THE CIVIC GARLAND. 59
Whose numberless legions that to him belongs, Consists of more nations than Babel has tongues : Though num'rous as dust, in tlespight of defence, Shall all lie in ashes a hundred years hence.
We mind not the counsels of such bloody elves. Let us set foot to foot, and be true to ourselves ; Our honesty from our good fellowship springs, We aim at no selfish preposterous things.
Wee'll seek no preferment by subtle pretence, Since all shall be nothing a hundred years hence.
THE COFFEE HOUSE.
During the reign of Charles II, coffee-houses met with such favorable patronage that they quickly spread over the metropolis, and were the usual meeting places of the roving cavaliers who seldom visited homo but to sleep. Edward Hutton, in his " New View of London," 1708, vol. i, p. 30.. has given a curious account of one of the earliest establishments of the kind: he says, "I find it recorded that one James Farr, a barber, who kept the coffee-house which is now the Rainbow, by the Inner Temple Gate, (one of the first in England), was, in the year 1657, pi'e- sented by the Inquest of St. Dunstan's in the West, for making and selling a sort of liquor called coffee, as a great nuisance and prejudice to the neighbourhood, &c. And who would then have thought London would ever have had near three thousand such nuisances, and that coffee would have been, (as now), so much drank by the best of quality and physicians." The song here printed from the same pageant as the preceding one, affords a very curious picture of the manners of the times, and the sort of conversation then usually met with in a well frequented house of the sort, — the "Lloyds" of the seventeenth century.
60 THE CIVIC GARLAND.
You tliat delight in wit and mirth,
And love to hear such news That come from all parts of the earth,
Turks, Dutch, and Danes, and Jews ; I'll send ye to the rendezvouz.
Where it is smoaking new; Go hear it at a coffee-house,
It cannot but be true.
There battails and sea-fights are fought.
And bloudy plots displaid ; They know more things than e're was thought.
Or ever was bewray 'd : No money in the minting-house.
Is half so bright and new ; And coming from the Coffec-IIotise,
It cannot but be true.
Before the navies fell to work,
They knew who should be winner ;
They there can tell ye what the Turk Last Sunday hud to dinner.
AVho last did cut Du Ruiter's* corns,
* The Dutch admiral who, in June 16fi7, dashed into the Downs with a fleet of eighty sail, and many fire-ships, blocked up the mouths of the Modway and Thames, destroyed the fortihcations at Sheerness, cut away the paltry defences of booms and chains drawn across the rivers, and got to Chatham, on the one side, and nearly to Gravesend on the other. The king Ijaving spent in debiiuchery the money voted by parliament for the proper support of the English navy.
THE CIVIC GARLAND. 61
Amongst his jovial crew ; Oi' who first gave the devil horns, Which cannot but be true.
A fisherman did boldly tell,
And strongly did avouch. He caught a shole of mackerell,
They parley'd all in Dutch ; And cry'd out Yaw, yaio, yaic, inbie hare,
And as the draught they drew. They stunk for fear that Monk* was there:
This sounds as if 'twere true.
There's nothing done in all the world,
From monarch to the mouse ; But every day or night 'tis hurl'd
Into the coffee-house : What Lillyf or what Booker^ cou'd
By art not bring about,
* General Monk and Prince Rupert were at this time com- manders of the English fleet.
f Lilly was the celebrated astrologer of the protectorate, who earned great fame at that time by predicting, in June 1645, "if now we fight, a victory stealeth upon us:" a lucky guess, signally verified in the king's defeat at Naseby. Lilly thenceforth always saw the stars favourable to the Puritans.
{ Tliis man was originally a fishing-tackle maker in Tower Street, during the I'eign of Charles I, but turning enthusiast, he went about prognosticating " the downfall of the King and Popery ;" and as he and his predictions were all on the popular side, he became a great man with the superstitious " godly brethren" of that day.
62 THE CIVIC GARLAND.
At coffee-house you'll find a brood, Can quickly find it out.
They know who shall in times to come,
Be either made or undone, From great St. Peter's-street in Rome,
To Turnbal-street* in London. And likewise tell at Clerkenwell,
What whore hath greatest gain ; And in that place what brazen-face
Doth wear a golden chain.
They know all that is good or hurt.
To damn ye or to save ye ; There is the colledge and the court,
The country, camp, and navy. So great an university,
I think there ne'r was any; In which you may a scholar be.
For spending of a penny.
Here men do talk of every thing, With large and liberal lungs,
* Turnbal, or TurnbuU-street as it is still called, had been for a century previous of infamous repute. In Beaumo'it and Flet- cher's play, " The Knight of the Burning Pestle," one of the ladies who is iindergoing penance at the barber's, has her character sufficiently pointed out to the audience, in her declara- tion that she had been " stolen from her friends in Turnbal Street."
THE CIVIC GARLAND. 03
Like women at a gossiping,
With double tire of tongues, They'll give a bi'oadside presently,
'Soon as you are in view: With stories that you'll wonder at,
Which they will swear are true.
You shall know there what fashions are,
How perriwiggs are curl'd ; And for a penny you shall hear
All novels in the world ; Both old and young, and great and small,
And rich and poor you'l see ; Therefore let's to the coffee all,
Come all away with me.
SONG ON NEW BEDLAM.
Bethlehem Hospital, or as it is more usually called, Bedlam, took tliat name from the oi'iginal direction of its founder, Simon Fitz- Mary, (sheriff of London in 1246), who desired that in token of subjection and reverence, one mark sterling should be paid yearly at Easter to the bishop of Bethlehem or his nuncio. The earliest notice of lunatics received there is in 1403, when the house afforded shelter to six of them, and three sick persons. It was purchased by the city in 1546. In 1644, forty-four lunatics wei-e kept there, but the revenues did not defray one- third of the expenditure ; the house was afterwards enlarged at the expense of the city, who also paid for its maintenance. The bmlding commemorated by this song was commenced in 1675, and completed in the year following, when Jordan composed it to be sung in the Guildhall on Lord Mayor's day, and it is printed
04 THE CIVIC GARLAND.
in his pageant for Sir Thomas Davies's mayoralty, 1G7G, entitled " London's Triiimplis." The Lord Mayor is still Governor of this Hospital.
This is a structure fair,
Royally raised ; The pious founders are Much to be praised,
That in such times of need. When madness doth exceed, Do build this house of bread, Noble New Bedlam.
'Tis beautiful and large
In constitution ; Deserves a liberal charge Of contribution.
If I may reach so high To sing a prophecy, Their names shall never dye That built New Bedlam.
Methinks the Lawyers may
Consult together. And contribute, for they Send most men thither ;
They put 'em to much pain, With words that cramp the brain, 'Till Bedlam's fdl'd with plain- tiff and defendant.
THE CIVIC GARLAND. G.>
Quacking pliysicians should
Give money freely ; They maculate men's blood And make them seely ;
With hydrargyrum pills, Their reasons and their wills They ruine, and this fills Most part of Bedlam.
So good a work as this Cannot want actors ; But i'll no more insist On benefactors,
But hint such as I see Hypochondriack bee. That are in some degree Fit for New Bedlam.
That amorous soul that is
In love a quaker. And doth adore a miss More than his Maker,
Decks her in silk and furr, Then turns idolater, Kneels down and worships her, He's fit for Bedlam.
The young man that has got
A golden talent ; And hath a brain-sick plot
66 THE CIVIC GARLAND.
To seem a gallant ;
That ricbly is array 'd, Spends land, and shop, and trade, To be a Hector made. Is fit for Bedlam.
The city -lad that sings,
Rhimes, drolls, and dances, And all his business flings Away for fancies ;
He that lets his angels fly, 'Till he's not worth one peny, To study poetry. Is fit for Bedlam.
Whilst some with brandy burn
Their guts with drinking ; Philosophers do turn
Their heads with thinking ; He who is such a one As studies for the stone, 'Tin's brains and his money's gone, Prepares for Bedlam.
That churl who gold liath won,
And dares not use it, But hath a squandering sou Doth game and lose it,
His brains do greatly err: He that with water cleer AVould fill a colander, Must do't in Bedlam.
THE CIVIC GARLAND. 67
He that with an estate Weds a poor beaiitj, A\^ho to disdain and hate, Turns love and duty ;
It dotli liis reason daunt, He has a bargain on't, Worse tlian the elephant, And's fit for Bedlam.
1 could tell many more, (I have enroll'd 'em), Shotdd I declare my store. As I have told 'em ;
With mortar, brick, and stone, Coidd they their building run, From thence to Islington, 'Twould never hold 'em.
THE MAD SECTARY.
From Jordan's "London's Triumphs," 1G77, where it is printed without a title. It wns sung- in Guildhall, after dinner, to the tune of " Tom-a- Bedlam," by " one of the city musicians, being attired like a New-Bedlamite, with apt action, and audible voice." It gives a curious detail of the many forms of belief which distracted the religionists of the Cromwellian age ; Bishop Corbet had pre- viously written a song which may be found in Percy's "He- liques," in exactly the same measure as this by Jordan ; it is called " The Distracted Puritan," but it deals with the madness of that class only, and Jordan may, in the present effusion, have carried out a wish to enlarge the idea of the worthy bishop, if not to rival him.
r 2
68 THE CIVIC GARLAND.
I AM the wolul'st madman,
That e'er came near your knowledge ;
I thrice have in
New Prison been, And twice in Bedlam Colledge : In hunger, cold, and darkness, I was a very sad man.
But I will show,
And tell you how I first became a madman: Then give me room, give me breath, give me hearing, My name is Captain Pigeon,
When English-men
Fell out, I then Did alter my Religion.
A Protestant I first was
The Church is my recorder,
And then I did,
(As I was bid). Love decency and order: The Common Prayer and organ, The surplice, copes, and rotchcts,
1 then upheld,
'Till I was fill'd "With Presbyterian crotchets. Then did I turn from the right to the left side, Amongst a flock of widgeons,
I was so bad,
I fell stark mad, With changing of religions.
THE CIVIC GARLAND. 69
I turn'd a Presbyterian,
And did maintain much foppery ;
The devil and we
Did all agree To fight and pull down Popery. We beat up drums for nothing, The cause looked like a riddle,
Two fools were stout,
And did fall out Who should lie in the middle. Then did I turn from the right to the left side, AVith a troop of widgeons,
Who filled my brains
With pangs and pains, Begot by new religions.
Next I tui'n'd Anabaptist, And prayed by the spirit;
To preach and print. Make mouths and squint, We thought was mighty merit. We slighted steeple houses,* Stables we met together in, With yea and nay AV'e did betray Our Presbyterian brethren. Then presently was the League and the Cov'nant, (Which destroy'd allegiance),
* The name scornfully bestowed on churches by these men.
70 THE CIVIC GARLAND.
Quite tuinbrd down With king and crown. To let in more religions.
We pulled down all the crosses,
And gained the people's curses. They were so pin'd They could not find
A cross left in their purses.* We broke all painted w'indows,
In churches and in chappels, We did no good, But shed the blood,
Of Lucas, Lisles, and Capels.f Then did we cry to the right, to the left,
We'll muster up our legions ; Then I was Koax't, And finely fox't,
With many mad religions.
Then 1 became a Brownist,| And was a saint perfidious,
* The coinage of England hail gfiieruUy a large cross upon the reverse ; it began to be discontinued, at times, in the reign oT Charles I, and was entirely left off during the Commonwealth.
"f Sir Charles Lucas and Sir George Lisle were shot by Fair- fax, at Colchester, in 1648. Lord Capol was beheaded with the Duke of Hamilton, and the Earl of nojland, in Palace-yard, Westminster, ISfurch 9th, 1049.
X The Brownists, or Separatists, reciived their name from Robert Brown, who, toward the middle of Elizabeth's reign, was
THE CIVIC GARLAND. 71
We preacli'd, we pray'd, Poor men betray'd,
And this we call'd religious. In pulpits we put red-coates,
To make our faction prouder, They filled our eares With bandoliers,
Pikes, pistols, guns, and powder. Then did we cry to the right, to the left,
We plunder'd pigs and pigeons; And thus did I At length comply
With all sorts of religions.
This sect I soon deserted.
And quickly made an end on't.
And like an elf
I made myself A plotting Indepcndant.* No government they owned, As I did understand 'em,
For they confest
It pleas'd 'em best To reign and rule at random.
a preacher in the diocese of Norwich : he was descended from a good family, and is said to have been a near relation of Lord Burghley. They argued for a total separation from the Church of England, I'enouncing all communion with her, not only in the prayers and ceremonies, but in hearing the word, and the sacra- ments.
* This class of men \vcre original] v Brownists.
72 THE CIVIC GARLAND.
Faces about to tlie lel't, to the riglit,
Wee'll pull down all the regions, From rocks and shelves We'll steer our selves, And be of all religions.
The next I was a Seeker,*
Then I grew something blinder,
For in my youth
I lost the Truth, And knew not where to find her. Then I turned Antinomian,f When I from that was driven,
A Leveller^
I did prefer, To make my brains lie even. But still I cry'd, from the right to the left, Let's face about, ye widgeons;
For I protest
This is the best Of all my new religions.
* A sect that obtained its name IVoin tlio dfcluiatinn of con- stantly " seeking the Lord," made by its followers. Tiiey were sometimes termed Vanisls, after the yonnger Sir Harry Vane, who was of this persuasion, and, like them all, a great mj-stic.
■{■ A sect who taught an eijiiality of persons, and justifying faith, or free grace, entirely independent of works.
X The Levellers were the bitterest opponents of Charles I, or Aliab, as they termed him, and were for " no king but King Jesus ;" they were of most ungovernable turbuk'nce in the early part of the civil wars.
THE CIVIC GARLAND. 73
We all had equal lordships, No power we did pray to.
Fifth INIonarchy*
Did then pass by, And I mnst do as they do. Tills made ray judgement stagger, My brain began to burn too,
I grew amaz'd,
I star'd and gaz'd. And knew not what to turn to. Vet still I cry'd, from the right to the left, Let's face about, ye widgeons,
rie not take in
Till I have bin A man of all religions.
I weary was of this, too.
And needs must be a Shaker,! Which made me sad. Then I ran mad, And so became a Quaker. I changed to an Arminian,
And would have been a Papist, But having not Much learning got,
* The Fifth-Monai-chy men were violent oppositionists, and believed in an approaching millennium, (the fifth great pi'ophetic monarchy of Scriptui'e — see Dan. vii. 13, Zech. i. &c.) when Christ VFOidd reign for a thousand years, with the saints for his ministers.
t A class of fanatics who excited themselves at all their meet- ings until they shook and leaped in their prayers.
74 THE CIVIC GARLAND.
I last of all turn'd Atheist. Thus (lid I fly from the right to the left, And they will prove but widgeons,
Who in their youth
Let go the truth, And turn to new religions.
SONG IN PRAISE OF THE MERCHANT-TAYLORS.
Froji Jordan's " London's Gloi'y, or the Lord Maj'or's Show," 1680. It is sung in the last pageant, " The Palace of Pleasure," and is a curious specimen of the songs composed expressly iu praise of the company to whom the mayor belonged, and who were on these occasions selected for unusual laudation ; the city poets regularly insisting on their superiority over all others. This praise was, however, as regularly transferred to another company in the year following.
Ok all the professions that ever were nam'd, The taylor's, though slighted, is much to be fani'd : For various invention, and antiquity, No trade with the tayler's compared may be : For warmth, and distinction, and fashion he dotli Provide for both sexes, with silk, stuff, and cloth. Then do not disdain him, or slight him, or flout him. Since, (if well consider'd), you can't live without him. But let all due praises, (that can be), be made. To honour and dignifie the tayler's trade.
When jVdaiii and Kve out of Eden were luuTd, Tlicy wore at that time king and <|uecn of the world ;
THE CIVIC GARLAND. 7.5
Yet this royal couple were forced to play The taylers, and put themselves in green aray : For modesty, and for necessity's sake, They had figs for the belly, and leaves for the back ; And afterward clothing of sheep-skins they made, Then judge if a tayler was not the first trade. The oldest profession, and they are but raylers, Who scoff and deride men that be merchant- taylers.
Some say that the shomaker's trade doth out-go him, But I am persuaded it is much below him ; When he's at the bottom, the tayler's o' th' top. When the shomaker kneels, the stout tayler stands up, Embracing and lacing his madam so fair, And decking her body with robes debonair: But only this fault I do find with liis trade. Of late there's small diff 'rence 'twixt mistress and maid. And yet, for all that, I do count them but raylers, Who shall undervalue the brave merchant-taylers.
If princes and people stark naked should go, Who could their gradations of dignity know ? It would pretty modest fair virgins perplex, 'Cause nakedness shows the distinction of sex. And therefore the taylor, to fortifie nature, By art, in formalities, covers the creature : To every person he gives a due dress. Which doth in fit order their callings express. Then let all your praises be properly made. To commend and dignifie the taylers trade.
76 THE CIVIC GARLAND.
With various pei'sons in habits he deals, And with outward shapes, inward secrets conceals: Distortions of body, and foulness of mind. That under good clothing you can't quickly lind : A miss in high habit hath often been seen. Though as rank as a goat, yet as rich as a queen ; Such power hath apparel that covers the skin, All embroyder'd without, and corrupted within. This falshood doth not in the tayler's art lurk, But in the foul members that set him to work.
Kings, princes, dukes, marquesses, earls, viscounts,
lords. Have royal apparel from tayler's shop-boards ; Grave bishopsand judges, knights, gentlemen, yeomen. With all the degi-ees of men, children, and women; All sorts and distinctions of land-men and sailors. Are rob'd, gown'd, and coated, and tackled by taylers. In gallant apparel your martial-man thunders, Good clothes and good courage, too, daily do wonders. He that hath poor habit, and is out of fashion, Is slighted, and seldom obtains estimation.
Nine kings of the brave merchant-taylers are free, As twenty-two princes and dukes also be ; Twenty-seven bishops, right reverend and good. And forty-seven earls are of this brotherhood ; With seventy-seven bold barons and lords, As may be produc'd from our ancient records.
THE CIVIC GARLAND. 77
Then judge if the dignify 'd taylei' have not
Cause for estimation, ne're to be forgot.
Since none of good fashion, but ranters and raylcrs, Will wrong the right worshipful, the merchant- taylers.
THE PROTESTANTS' EXHORTATION.
From the same pageant as the preceding. This is a cnrious specimen of what passed for propriety of opinion at this unsettled period. Hostility to the Catholics is strongly urged, and the " unanimity" at " the late election" insisted on, although Sir Patience Ward, the mayor, from his constant opposition to the en- croachments of the court party, was exceedingly unpopular with the king, who managed in the following year, in opposition to the citizens, to get Sir John Moore into the office of maj^or, who was a tool in the hands of the court, and entirely hetrayed the city. After the sheriffs, (Papillon and Dubois), had been elected in the usual manner, Moore, at the request of the king, set them aside, and nominated others, by drinking to them, — an obsolete custom then done away with, they being always elected by the common hall. A poll being demanded, they were again returned by an immense majority ; the mayor then declared the election irregular and riotous, Chief- Justice North nnd the Council backed him, and Dudley North, (brother to the Chief-Justice), and Rich, both courtiers, were illegally thrust into their places. Actions at law were commenced against Pilkington, the late sherifi^ by way of revenge, and he was taxed with accusing the Duke of York with burning London in 16G6 ; he was sentenced to pay £100,000 damages, by the king's packed jury, under the surveil- lance of his new-formed sherifts, and Sir George Jefferys, now Recorder of London and rapidly rising in favour. Sir Patience Ward, who did not swear as was wished, was prosecuted with peculiar malevolence, found guilty of perjury, and sentenced to the pillory. Moore was rewarded by having " an honourable addition" granted to his coat-of-arms, " for his great and eminent services to the crown ;" which was " the lion of England upon
78 THE CIVIC GARLAND.
a canton." Never was the British lion more degrarled than when placed by a dissohite and unprincipled king upon the arms of a man who, h;iving sworn to protect the citizens' rights as their chief magistrate, betrayed their interests, and paved the way for Charles to deprive them of their charter.
What is the cruel cause
Of cur dissention, That holy and humane laws
Yield no prevention ; That our poor land hath been
Pull'd all to pieces ; And still our sorrows keen
Daily increases ? 1^ you would know for wjiat, Reason will tell you that 'Tis because we do not
Love one another.
Such a command as this
All power convinces ; 'Twas made by him that is
The prince of princes: The power of love is of
A fruitfull nature, "When it drops from above
Into the creature ; It doth corroborate And fortify a state. Then, before 'tis too late,
Love one another.
THE CIVIC GARLAND.
Daily dissentions rise,
Brother 'gainst brother : Son against father flyes,
Daughter 'gainst mother. Strange contrarieties
Do rule men's reason : Whilst England's enemies
Are hatching treason. And driving on that plot, — (They think we have forgot,) 'Cause they see we do not
Love one another.
If concord be the way
To peace and plenty. Discord must needs destroy.
And make all empty. Houses and kingdoms that
Are so divided, Are in a desperate state, —
Grossly misguided. The dangers of our land We never can withstand 'Till we're united, and
Love one another.
Let us not mingle our
Faith with our fancies ; And leave the substance for
Small circumstances.
79
so THE CIVIC GARLAND.
Let love and reason work In us, and on us ;
Serpents in secret lurk
To over run us.
Their stinging pens are free
To raise conspiracie,
Wliicli will be foil'd if we
Love one another.
If we do stir up hate
Against our brother, We prove like fire-brands that
Burn out each other ; Clyents whom lawyers light,
Till they unstate 'em, Or Dutch and English fight.
When French laugh at 'cm. In such conditions are Men that love law and war. And such are those that ne're
Love one another.
In what a doubtful state
Is all our nation :• Without us, Papal hate.
Within us, passion : And causeless prejudice
Doth still possess us; 'Tis feared our enemies
Will nuudi oppress us.
THE CIVIC GARLAND.
■ We shall in snares be caught By this damn'd Popish plot, If we in time do not
Love one another,
Let us with hearts and hands,
Joyn all our forces Against the Romish bands.
Their foot and horses; For if they get the best,
And overpower us. We shall ne're live at rest,
They will devour us ; We must in sad restraints. Be plung'd in woes and wants; Then let true Protestants
Love one another.
Our unanimity
I' th' late election, Shew'd that we well agree
In our affection ; Where all men did consent,
Without resistance, 'Twas a good argument
Of Gods assistance. When men so well agree. And so concordant be, 'Tis a plain sign that we
Love one another.
82 THE CIVIC GARLAND.
THE PLOTTING PAPISTS' LITANY.
From the same pageant as the previous song. Jordan tells us that the preceding one " being ended, they handle their instru- ments again, and play divers new ayrcs, which having done, three or four habit themselves according to the humour of the song, and one of them chanteth forth another song in the same tune with that last sung." The first verso alludes to the pre- tended Popish plot of the infamous Titus Oatcs, which set the nation at that time in a ferment.
Though our plot be betray'd,
Let us pursue it, We need not be dismay'd,
We will renew it ; Therefore, let us implore
Those saints above us, Who have done so before.
And, therefore, love us. Joyntly, then, wee'l agree To sing a Litany,* And let the burden be Ora pro nobis.
* Parodies on the Litany were, at this period, far from uncommon. Scarcely any collection of political poems or songs is without several. In Thompson's " Collection of one hundred and eighty Loyal Songs, all written since 1678," is printed "a Litany from Geneva," the ninth verse containing in its last linn an allusion to the last of the city laureates, in the words: —
" from brawn}' Settle's poem in prose,
Libera uos domine."
Hone's celebrated defence on his three trials in Guildhall for a similar parody, may be consulted with advantage on the earlier
THE CIVIC GARLAND. 83
You that have been, as we,
Engaged in dangers, Listen to us that be
Heretick-rangers : Do you our suit prefer.
And send unto us, Least Doctor Provender
Do quite undo us. You that kings undertake To kill, for conscience sake, Clement and Raviliac,* Ora pro nobis.
You that were two of those
Excellent members, Who did assist in the
Plot of November's ;
and later history of the same practice. In his book on " Ancient Mysteries," he hints that the celebration of lord mayor's day by a mock Litany on the same spot, might have been among the ser- viceable precedents cited to the juries, had he been then aware of the existence of the one here reprinted.
* The friar Jacques Clement murdered Henry III of France, because ho imagined that he favoured the Protestant party ; pre- tending business of importance, he gained admission to the king, and while he examined the letters he brought him, stabbed him in the bowels, a wound of which the king died on the following- day, the 2nd of August, 1589. Francis Kavaillac, who had been a schoolmaster, murdered the succeeding sovereign, Henry IV, from the same motive, on the 14th May, 1610, in his coach, as he passed through the streets of Paris : his ideas having been strengthened by the infamous preachers of the League, who invariably justified the act of Clement.
g2
84 THE CIVIC GARLAND.
What you did leave undone,
That we may do it ; Grant us your orison,
And prompt us to it. Ye that like hooded hawks, Wrought in dark lanthorn walks, Digby* and Guido-Vaux, Ora pro nobis.
Great Cataline, do thou
Aid and assist us ; That in what we shall do
None may resist us : Brutus and Cassius,
Inspire us in season, And qualify us with
Murder and treason. You that have plotted more Than men have done before, Gusman and Gundemore,f Ora pro nobis.
* Sir Everard Digby can only claim the dishonourable dis- tinction of a mention with Guido Fawkcs, to the neglect of such men as Catesby, from the circumstance of the leading position his wealth and connections enabled him to take in this celebrated conspiracy. A curious relic of the most courageous of the band exists in the Bodleian picture gallery ; it is the lanthorn found upon Guido Fawkcs when he was discovered in the vaults be- neath the Houses of Parliament.
+ Count Gondomar was ambassador from Spain to the court of liing James I. He was greatly desirous of perfecting the pro- posed marriage of Prince Charles with the Infanta of Spain, and
THE CIVIC GARLAND. 85
Woolsey, that liv'd i' tli' reign
Of old King Harry ; And you o' tli' flaming train
To Phil, and Mary, Teach us, that we with sticks,
Fire-brand, and fuel, May burn all hereticks,
And prove as cruel. You that consum'd by fire Ridley and Latimer, Bonner and Gardiner, Ora pro nobis.
You that with arguments
Sophisticated, Rais'd several discontents,
As 'tis related : You that made subjects
Forsake their obedience,
his intrigues made him exceedingly unpopular in England. He was mainly instrumental in bringing Raleigh to the block, and obtained great ascendency over that weak-minded sovereign, King James I, by flattering his weaknesses, until, as he boasted to the Spanish court, " he thought more of their interests than of those of his own family." James had an eager desire to parade his learning, and Gondomar was a good Latin scholar, and, as one means of ingratiating himself with the king, used to talk bad Latin in his presence, that he might have the pleasure of publicly correcting him, Gondomar loudly protesting he spoke it on the authority of most learned teachers, " He was," savs Hume, "a man whose flattery was the more artful, because covered with the appearance of frankness and sincerity ; whose politics were the more dangerous, because disguised under the masque of mirth and pleasantry,"
86 TlIK CIVIC CARLANI).
And taught them to abhor
Oaths of allegiance : Vou that coiihl souls trap})anj With disputes off and on, Parsons and Campion,*
Ora pro nobis.
You Irish champions, that
In warlike manner. Against the Church and State
Advanc'd your banner ; Kaise up our spirits, we
May be courageous ; England's o'erthrow will be
Much advantageous : Fitz-Geraldf and Tyrone,;]:
* Executed with other llomish priests during the reign of Elizabeth, for a pretended conspiracy against her life ; the writing and distributing of works favourable to the Church of Ivonie was uU that could be clearly proved against them.
t The rebellion of Lord Thomas Fitzgerald occurred during the reign of llein'y VIII, in the year 1.533, upon a belief that liis father, the Earl of Kildare and lord deputy of Ireland, who hail been summoned to England, had been executed in the Tower for treason, a charge of that criu)e having been made against him by his enemies the Butlers. Lord Thomas and his Kve uncles had possession of the six strongest castles in Ireland, and their insurrection became most formidable ; after defeating the English forces he was ultimately obliged to surrender to them on their promise of a free pardon. "The five brethren," his uncles, were treacherously seized at a bancjuet, and after a long and cruel imprisoimient in the Tower of London, they were all l)eheaded with their nephew, the young l-'arl, in Eibruary LOST.
X The Ivirl of Tyrone headed the Irisli rebellion in the latter years of the reign of Elizabeth, in which he was much assisted
THE CIVIC GARLAND. 87
To you we cry, O Lone ! Gregory and Pope Joan,
Ora pro nobis.
Hubert, whose fatal brand
First fir'd the city,* By hereticks' command,
Dy'd without pity : Coleman, f that great statist.
Whose brains were working.
by the Spanish king, in revenge for the assistance that queen had given to the States of Holhtnd, who had revolted from their allegiance to him in the early part of her reign. Tyrone was finally defeated on Christmas Eve, 1601, when he advanced against the English army, under Lord Mountjoy, at Kinsale, with a force of 6000 native Irish, and 400 foi'cigners, to the assistance of Don Juan D'Aguilar, who was in that town with 4000 Spanish troops. This victory, and the ravages of famine, brought the Irish to extremities, and Tyrone, after flying from place to jilace, surrendered to Mountjoy at the end of 1602, on a promise of life and lands, which the queen reluctantly obeyed. During the reign of James I, he was suspected of engaging in a new rebellion, and fled into Spain, leaving his enormous posses- sions as a forfeiture to the crown.
* This Hubert was a Frenchman, who was notoriously insane, and he accused himself of having, with two others, set fire to the first house burnt in the great fire of 1666. There were none to prosecute or accuse him, and his confession was so disjointed, and so clearly betrayed the state of his intellects, that the chief-jus- tice told the king he could not believe him guilty. He was evidently a poor distracted wretch, weary of his life, and anxious to part with it in this way. Yet the jury found him guilty, and the king and judges, notwithstanding their conviction, allowed him to be executed.
+ Coleman was the secretary and confidential agent of the Duke of York, afterwards King James II, and was accused in
88 THE CIVIC GARLAND.
Whilst Jesuit and priest
In holes lay lurking ; This plot to pass to Ijring, Stout Grove and Pickering,* Employed to kill the king,
Ora pro nobis.
You that in bloody ways
Have lately trod free, Who set an end to th' days
Of justice Godfrey,! Though a prais'd magistrate.
He was against us. And did deserve our hate,
And much incens'd us:
1678, by the infamous Titus Oates, as the chief conspirator in the famous Popish Plot for the destruction of Charles 11, and the introduction of the Komish religion. It was proved from his own letters, (perhaps to the surprise of Oates), that he had applied both to the Pope and others for money and assistance in " the utter ruin of the Protestant Party," and he was executed as a traitor.
* These two were the men who, according to Oates and Bed- loe, were employed by the Popish party to shoot Charles II. Upon the perjured and contradictory evidence of these two scoundrels they were found guilty and executed. They died pro- fessing their innocence, but the received opinion about Jesuitism prevented alike an}' belief, and any pity.
t Sir Edmundbury Godfrey, who had taken the depositions on the Popish plot, and excited himself greatly in the matter. He was found murdered immediately afterwards, a circumstance that inflamed the whole nation, and gave the greatest strengtli to Oates's perjuries.
THE CIVIC GARLAND. 89
Green, Bury, Hill,* that dy'd, Altliougli for murther try'd, By us y'are sanctify'd.
Ora pro nobis.
Ireland and Whitebread,f too,
Harcourt and Turner,| For whom there is in woe
Many a close mourner ;
* These three men, who were employed about the Queen's Chapel at Somerset House, (from whence Sir Edmundbury Godfrey had disappeared), were hung at Tyburn for his murder, upon the evidence of one Prance, a Catholic Silversmith, who had, it appears, been tortured to confess, and had accused these unfortunate men to free himself from prison, and save his life. Primrose Hill, near London, close to which the body of Godfrey was found, was at this time re-named " Greenberry Hill," from the names of the three supposed murderers. The smaller hill beside it, now formed into a reservoir, was previous to that change, called by the lower classes, " bloody hill," probably in reference to the same event.
t Both these men were accused by Titus Gates as the prime movers of the Popish plot to'assassinate King Charles IL Ireland was a Catholic priest, and Grove and Pickering, who were to do the murder, acted under the dii-ection of him and the others, it was said. Ireland was tried by Lord Chief- Justice Scroggs at the Old Bailey, December 17th, 1678, and was executed at Tyburn on the 2nd of January following. Whitbread, styled in his trial " Thomas White, alias Whitbread, Provincial of the Jesuits in England," was tried on the 13th of June, 1679, and was executed at Tyburn on the 20th of the same month.
J William Harcourt and Anthony Turner were tried with Whitbread for participation in the Popish plot, and executed on the same day with him. Harcourt was termed by Gates the popish " rector of London." Tui-ner was also a priest.
90 THE CIVIC GARLAND.
Fenwick and Gaven,* and
Langliorn the learned, | That plotted hand in hand, 'Till 'twas discerned ; Who by the laws of late, And heretical hate, Did all submit to fate,
Ora pro nobis.
THE PLANTERS' SONG.
This is anothei- specimen of a trade • so?ig ; it occurs in Jordan's "London's Jo}'," for Sir John Moore of the Grocers' Company, who was mayor in 1681. It was sung in the last pageant that day exhibited, " an Indian Garden of Spices," emblematic of their trade ; — " on this stage are several planters, tumblers, dancers and vaulters, all blacks, men and women, who are supposed to be l)rought over by the Governess, (Fructifera), to celebrate the day, and to delight his lordship with their ridiculous rusticity, and mimical motion ; one of which crew having a song composed for the purpose, being endued with a melodious voice, doth in a proper posture extend his jawes, and chanteth out this madrigal to u pleasant tune."
* John Fenwick is called in the state trials "Procurator for the Jesuits in England." John Gavan, alias Gawen, was a priest, and these two men were also sacrificed to the perjury of Oates, on the same day as the others, and for the same pretended plot to murder Charles, and establish Popery.
+ Ilichard Langhorn was a lawyer of the Temple, and, accord- in" to Oates, was employed as solicitor for the Jesuits, and in connexion with the enemies of the state and religion, both in Spain and St. Omer's. He was tried on the lUh of .June, 1079, and executed at Tyburn on the 14th of the following July.
THE CIVIC GARLAND. 91
We are jolly planters who live in the East,
And furnish the world with delights when they feast;
For by our endeavours this country presumes
To fit them with physic, food, gold, and perfumes.
Our trading is whirl'd
All over the world. In vast voyages on the ocean so curl'd: [know
France, Spain, Holland, England, have sent men to Where jewels are found, and how spices do grow; Where voyagers with a small stock have been made, By the wealthy returns of an East India trade.
From torments or troubles of body or mind. Your bonny brisk planters are free as the wind; We eat Avell to labour, and labour to eat, Our planting doth get us both stomach and meat.
There's not better physic
To vanquish the phthisic, And when we're at leisure our voices are music; And now we are come with a brisk drolling ditty. To honour my lord; and to humour the city. We sing, dance, and trip it, as frolick as ranters; Such are the sweet lives of your bonny brave planters.
Our weighty endeavours have drams of delight. We slave it all day, but we sleep well at night; Let us but obtain a kind hour to be merry, Our digging and delving will ne'er make us weury.
And when we do prate
In reasons of state.
92 THE CIVIC GARLAND.
What's wanting in wit will be made up in weight; They'll currently pass I do simply suppose, At them no wise man will take pepper i' th' nose. No vaunters, or flawnters, or canters, or ranters, Do lead such a life as the bonny brave planters.
Of cinnamon, nutmegs, of mace, and of cloves,
"VVe have so much plenty they grow in whole groves;
Which yield such a savour, when Sol's beams do bless
'em, That 'tis a sweet kind of contentment to dress 'em.
Our sugars and gums,
Our spices and plums, Are better than battels of bullets and drums. From wars and battalias we have such release. We lie down in quiet and rise up in peace; We sing it, and dance it, and jig it, and skip it. Whilst our Indian lasses do gingerly trip it.
Our gracious good governess hath brought us over To England and London, that we may discover The generous triumphs that this year doth wait To honour the day of their wise magistrate,
A merchant of fame,
Let's love him for shame; For moor is our nature, and Moor is his name; They feast him with dainties, in peace let him reign, The more is his honour, tlie more is our gain. God prosper the king and enthrone him with bliss. And bless the lord mayor who his lieutenant is.
THE CIVIC GARLAND. 93
No ranters, or vaunters, or chaunters, or Haunters, Doth lead sucli a life as the bonny boon planters.
SONG OF THE CLOTH-WORKERS.
Printed at the end of Settle's " Triumphs of London, prepared for the entertainment of the Right Honourable Sir Thomas Lane," 1694. His lordship was one of the Cloth workers Company, and this trade-song may be taken as a favourable specimen of its class.
Come all the nine sisters, that fill the great quire. For here's a rich theme must the Muses inspire.
The Clothworkers' glory.
So fair lies before ye; So famous and antient their honour begun. When Adam first delv'd and our mother Eve spun.
Nor the gold, nor the pearl old England shall lack, You send out your cloth, and the Indies come back.
On your fair foundation
The wealth of the nation, Our wool and our web, the supporters of crowns, 'Tis wooll-sacks found bridges, and fleeces build towns.
Whilst thro' twelve starry signs, as Astronomers say. To circle the year, drives the great god of day.
Thro' Aries and Taurus,
Triumphant and glorious. Whilst the ram in the heavens does so splendid appear, 'Tis the Clothworkers' crest begins the fair year.
94 THE CIVIC GARLAND.
Two griffons of gold, your supporters so fair, These compounds of lyon and eagle wait there.
The Ijon, 'tis true, sirs,
In homage to you, sirs, As lord of the land, and the eagle of the ayr, To the Clothworkers glory their fealty bear.
The thistle, the Clothworkers servant so kind,
Long glitt'ring with gold in their scutcheon has sinned ;
The thistle, 'tis true, sirs,
To give her her due, sirs, With the fair English rose, both of royal renown, To the Clothworkers honour, the thistle and crown.
Since fortune's fleet wheel, and the great book of doom, With life but a thread is the work of the loom,
The Fates, those dire sisters,
Our destiny twisters; 'Tis clothworking all. For living or dead, 'Tis he's only blest that spins a fair thread.
THE CIVIC GARLAND. 95
THE VINTNERS' SONG.
From Elkanah Settle's "Triumphs of London,' for Sir Samuel Dashwood, of the Vintners' Compan}', mayor in 1702. Queen Anne dined in the Guildhall on this occasion, " with Prince George of Denmark, and the highest nobility of the kingdom." The song here printed occurs at the end of the descriptive pam- phlet, and was sung in the Hall. No other pageant was ever pub- licly performed : that written for 1708 was not exhibited, owing to the death of Prince George of Denmark the day before. For that pageant no songs were written, so that this is the last song of the last city poet, and a better specimen than usual of his powers.
Come, come, let us drink the vintners' good health, 'Tis the cask, not the coffer, that holds the true wealth ; If to founders of blessings we pyramids raise. The bowl, next the sceptre, deserves the best praise. Then, next to the queen, let the vintners' fame shine. She gives us good laws, and they fill us good wine.
Columbus and Cortez their sails they uufurl'd.
To discover the mines of an Indian world,
To find beds of gold so far they could roam :
Fools I fools! — when the wealth of the world lay at
home. The grape, the true treasure, much nearer it grew. One Isle of Canary's worth all the Peru.
96 THE CIVIC GARLAND.
Let misers in garrets hide up their gay store, And heap their rich bags to live wretchedly poor; 'Tis the cellar alone with true fame is renown'd, Her treasure's dilFusive, and chears all around : The gold and the gem's but the eye's gaudy toy, But the vintners' I'ich juice gives health, life, and joy.
Klcliards, llM), St. Martin's Laiie, Ulinrin;; Cross.
LIFE AND MARTYRDOM
OF
THOMAS B E K E T,
ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY,
FROM THE SERIES OF LIVES AND LEGENDS NOW PROVED TO HAVE BEEN COMPOSED BY
ROBERT OF GLOUCESTER.
KDITED BY
WILLIAM HENRY BLACK,
ONE OF THE ASSISTANT KEErEBS OF THE rUBMC RECORDS.
LONDON: PRINTED FOR THE PERCY SOCIETY,
BY T. RICHARDS, 100, ST. MARTIN'S LANE,
M.DCCC.XLV.
COUNCIL
€\n perrL) ^ocictj)*
President, The Rt. Hon, LOED BRAYBROOKE, F.S.A. THOMAS AMYOT, Esq. F.R.S. Treas. S.A. WILLIAM HENRY BLACK, Esq WILLIAM CHAPPELL, Esq. F.S.A. J. PAYNE COLLIER, Esq. F.S.A. BOLTON CORNEY, Esq. PETER CUNNINGHAM, Esq. JAMES HENRY DIXON, Esq. FREDERICK W. FAIRHOLT, Esq. F.R.S., F.S.A. J. O. HALLIWELL, Esq. F.R.S., F.S.A. WILLIAM JERDAN, Esq. F.S A., M R.S.L. CAPTAIN JOHNS, R.M. T. J. PETTIGREW, E.SQ. F.R.S., F.S.A. W^ILLIAM SANDYS, Esq. F.S.A. WILLIAM J. THOMS, Esq. F.S.A. THOMAS WRIGHT, Esq. M A, F.S.A. , Secrelary and Treasurer.
PREFACE.
Of the legends in old English Alexandrine verse, which constitute a complete Liher Aestivalis in metre, for the whole year, one has already been presented to the members of the Percy Society, by Mr. Wright, in the publication (No. XLVlii) for August 1844 ; namely that of Saint Brandan. That is distinguished above others by the singu- larity of its subject-matter: the present is one of those lives of saints, which relate to Eno-lish history, and is by far the largest in the whole work. Not only docs it afford such a view of the life and character of that remarlcable prelate Thomas Beket, the far-famed Saint of Canter- bury, as was popularly entertained from the time of his death to the Reformation, but it fixes the period of the authorship of these legends, and, above all, enables us to ascertain the name of their author.
Numerous copies of the whole, or of detached portions of this work, are extant in manuscript, and extracts from them have been given by vari-
ous authors ; among whom may be mentioned Ashmole, in whose " Institution of the Order of the Garter"* are given five lines of the Life of Beket, from a vahiable MS. in his own collection at Oxford, now marked No. 43. That copy con- tains no fewer than ninety-five articles, beginning imperfectly with Saint Wolstan, (whose day falls on the 19 th of January,) and ending with Saints Oswald, Thomas of Canterbury, and Edward the Confessor : they are all in the order of the calen- dar except these last, whose days are 5th August, 29th December, and 5th January respectively. Two of them, therefore, are wrongly placed, and Beket's life is, of all the saints or festivals treated of by this author, the latest in the year. In the Harleian MS. 2277, which begins with Benedict Abbat (this copy being defective as far as 21st March), t the life of Beket is the latest which
* 1672, fol. p. 21.
t " Its imperfection at the beginning may have deprived lis of the author's name, which after much search I cannot now retrieve; having little reason to believe him to be that John Goldestone mentioned by Pits, p. 407, who is said to have compiled Sermones de Sanctis, and to have flourished A.D. 1320, because it does not appear that he was poetically given, or that he wrote in the English tongue; and besides, the handwriting of this MS. seems to be older than that yeai'." — ■' Although the name of oui" old English poet may at this time be difficult to find out, yet the thing itself is of
Vll
relates to saints ; but legends of Judas Iscariot and Pontius Pilatus follow. It is from this latter manuscript that the text of the following pages, as well as that of Saint Brandan's legend, is printed : both manuscripts are of one age, the latter part of the reign of Edward I., having been written (as nearly as can be conjectured) about the year 1300. The Editor has not found opportunity of using any other manuscript, ex- cept some parts of the Arundel MS. No. 8, in the Heralds' Office, which is as late as the middle of the fifteenth century, and contains only the legends of Michael the archangel, and Thomas Beket, following a copy of the Brute Chronicle, which terminates with the death of King Henry V. In his description of the last mentioned manu- script, theEditorfirst put forth an opinion, in 1829, that these legends " were evidently written in the time of Edward the First, and very probably by the author of the Chronicle called Robert of Gloucester's, the style and metre of which bear a
considerable value, not only upon account of its rarity, (I not remembering to have met with any other exemplar of it), but also for the purity of its language, its age consi- dered, and the correctness of him who wrote it." — (Wanley, Harleian Catalogue, ii. 637, 639.) There are, however, several MSS. in the Bodleian, especially the Vernon MS., and at Cambridge, beside Harl. 2250 in the British Museum, which last does not contain the life of Beket.
VUl
complete resemblance to these compositions."* In the same year, Sir Frederick Madden avowed the same opinion, in his edition of Havelok the Dane, which passed through the press at the same time as the Editor's work here quoted. Shortly after, the Editor had the opportunity of confirming that opinion, by perusal (among others) of the poem contained in these pages, which affords demonstrative proof of the identity of authorship between the Chronicle of England and the Lives and Legends, When therefore the Ashmolean MSS. passed under his review, for a critical description of their contents, in 1831 and following years, he hesitated not to intitle the before-mentioned manuscript (No. 43), thus : — " Lives of Saints and Legends of the Festivals, in the order of the English calendar, composed in Alexandrine verse by Robert of Gloucester, the author of the antient Metrical History of England-^t
A scanty acquaintance with our early language is enough to refute the erroneous opinion of Warton, (who has quoted the first lines of
* " Catalogue of the Arundel Manuscripts in the Library of the College of Arms, 1829. Not published." (London, 8vo.) p. 14.
t Catalogue of the Ashmolean MSS. by W. IL Black, (Oxford, 1845, 4to.) col. G4-(J8.
IX
Beket's Life from a Bodleian MS.)* that this work was written in the time of Richard I. ; the notice of the translation of Beket, from his orave to a costly shrine, which took place in 1220, dis- proves it at once. Moreover, there is the life of one English Saint contained in the series, who was the seventh successor of Beket in the see of Canterbury, and died so late as J 6th November ]242, — namely Edmund, commonly called of ' Pounteney ' or Pontigny, from his burial-place in France.f This Archbishop was canonized in 1246 : therefore the work could not have been written till the middle of the thirteenth century, about which time Robert of Gloucester flourished. His Chronicle comes down to the year 1270;:{: and if the last leaf of the Cottonian MS. had been preserved, it would doubtless appear to have terminated with the death of King Henry HI, in 1272, or the coronation of Edward I. Unfortu- nately we know nothing certain about the author, except one autobiographical notice in his Chron- icle : for the manuscripts of that work are as des- titute of title or colophon, as those of the Legends
* History of English Poetry, (8vo. ed.) i. 19.
t Harl. MS. 2277, f. 155. Ashm. MS. 43, f. 177. See also Hearne's extracts from Mr. Sheldon's MS., in his Glossary to Robert Mannyng, (' Langtoft's Chronicle',) pp, 007-609, and Gil.
+ See p. 570 of the printed copies.
are. The only authentic manuscript, which is in the Cottonian Collection, Caligula A. XL, has this modern heading, " Historia Regum Anglicv ad Ilenricum Tert'mm, a Roberto Glocesirensi, qui eodem tempore floruit,'''' which is not older than Sir Robert Cotton's time ; and, whatever evidence might then have existed for that name, certainly none of a direct nature is now known, although the passage alluded to strongly confirms it. The author describes a great darkness which happened on the day of "the murder of Evesham," ("for battle it was not," says he) ; and adds "-for thirty miles thence, this saw Roberd, who first this book made, and was well sore afeard."* The event hap- pened on the 4th of August, 1265. The distance of Evesham from Gloucester, being about twenty- five miles, well agrees with the supposition, (if it were no more than a supposition,) that this Robert was a man of Gloucester; and the dialect of his work agrees equally well with that of the county.
It has already boon shown that the exact simi- larity of versification, style, phraseology, and dialect, first led the Editor to consider both works to be the production of one and the same author: but the proof of this opinion consists in the identity of considerable portions of the Life
* Printed text, p. 660; and Hearne's Preface, p. Ixviii.
of Beket with the text of the Chronicle. The most remarkable of these is the description of the murder, \\hcre thirty successive lines are alike in both poems; but neither these nor any other passages, which exactly correspond, can be considered as interpolations, but are evidently as genuine portions of the Chronicle as they are of the Legend. For the better manifestation of the fact, all that portion of the Chronicle, which relates to Beket's life and disputes with the King, his murder and its consequences, and his transla- tion, is given in the Appendix, from the Cottoni- an MS.,* and such references are made in the notes, from one text to the other, as will enable the reader easily to find the corresponding pas- sages, and to arrive at the inevitable conclusion, that they have both proceeded from one mind and one pen. It might indeed be said that they are inseparably parts of each other, but for the fact that the details of Beket's history are omitted in the great compilation, founded on the basis of Robert of Gloucester's " Englysshe geste in ryme," which was finished on the 6th of August, 1448, and is preserved among the MSS. in the
* It will be seen in the Appendix that one whole line, omitted by Hearne, has been restored, by following the MS. rather than the printed text.
Xll
Heralds' Office.* In that copy, after the eighth lino of the portion quoted in the Appendix, no fewer than eight pages and a half of Hearne's text are left out, and the following lines are inserted in the stead, amongst the prose additions made by . compiler of that historical manuscript: —
'' And many other thingus mo, of Seynt Thomas dedes, That felle by twixt him and the Kyng, in his Lif may me
rede. In the xj. C. yere of grace, this good man, Seynt Thomas, And Ixxj. thus imartu-ed was." (Fol. 246.)
Let it not bo supposed that these are genuine lines of the original poet, for the compiler of that manuscript has taken the liberty of altering Robert's text throughout, and of adding or omit- ting ad libitum. The variations, at the foot of Hearne's pages, are a proof of this ; although they afford no adequate idea of the extent to which the original work has been altered, by the anony- mous historian. It is remarkable that he refers, in the lines hero quoted, to the " Life" of Beket, which in all probability was the poem contained in these pages : for, although numerous Latin his- torians are quoted by name, in the prose additions, the only reference to a written testimony occurring in the old ryme^ is to the metrical ' romance' of
* Fully described in W. II. Black's Catalogue of the Aruudcl MSS., No. 58, pp. 1U4-11U.
XIU
Richard Ooeur de Lion, which is given at full length in th(3 Heralds' MS., while here, probably by reason of the greater frequency of copies of the Saints' Lives, he contents himself with refer- ring to the Legend of Thomas; and this reference may, perhaps, be regarded as the indication of an acknowledgment that the two works had proceed- ed from one author.
There are fifteen or sixteen Lives of other English Saints contained in the work from which this of Beket is taken ; among which may be traced some other correspondences with the same author's Chronicle. These, being short, may occupy the pages of some future publications of the Percy Society, and serve to throw some far- ther light on the interesting question of their authorship. Certainly they would greatly con- tribute to illustrate an edition of the metrical Chronicle, from the contemporary manuscript in the Oottonian collection, part only of which has been printed by Hearne, and that without the op- portunity of collating his printed sheets with the original, by reason of his distance from London. Should the Editor's time permit, and the Council of the Society approve, he would gladly undertake the performance of what is due to so veneiable a writer, and one who has for almost half his life been one of his favorite authors.
XIV
The text of the following pages is taken from the Harleian MS. beforementioned, written little later than the author's own time. The Editor has thought proper to preserve, in every line, the colon which marks the ccesura, as in that and other antient copies : in the best manuscript of the chronicle a single point occurs, both in the middle and at the end of every line. In addition to a modern punctuation in other respects, he has carefully marked those syllables which need to be peculiarly accented or distinctly expressed, for the completion of the metre, which will be found tolerably regular, and equivalent (if each couplet were divided into four lines) to the later ballad- measure, or the ' common metre' and ' short metre"' of modern psalmody. Hearne's glossary to the chronicle will serve equally to explain this legend, to those who are unaccustomed to the language of the thirteenth century.
The portrait of Beket, prefixed to this work, is copied in facsimile from an antient drawing with pen and ink, among other religious pictures, in the Black Book of the Receipt of the Exchequer, preserved in the Public Record Office, Rolls House ; where it follows a Calendar of Saints' Days, and extracts from the Gospels, formerly used in the administration of oaths in the Court of Receii)t. Tliis picture is not less remarkable
for its apparent authenticity (bein^ at least as old as Beket's translation in 1220) than for the singular fact of its escape from the destruction levelled by King Henry VIII against every relic and vestige of the saint that his fury could reach, not excepting his very name. The Society is in- debted to the kindness of Mr. Fairholt, for the gratuitous execution of the engraving.
W. H. BLACK.
Mill Yard, London,
•27th Jvne, 1845.
THE LIFE AND INI A R T Y R D O M
THOMAS B E K E T,
ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY.
Gilbert was Thomas fader name: that true was and
god, And lovede God and holi churche: siththe he wit un-
derstod. The croice to the holie lond: in his junghede he nom, And mid on Richard, that was his man: to Jerusalem
com. There hi dude here pelrynage: in holi stedes faste, So that among the Sarazyns: ynome hi were atte laste, Hi and other Cristene men: and in strong prisoun ido, Inmeseise and in pyne ynouj: of hunger and chile also. In stronge swynche ni3t and dai: to ofswynche here
mete sti'onge: In such swyncli and harde lyve: hi bilevede (hem
tho3te) longe. ^^
For ful other half 3 er: greate pyne hi hadde and schame,
B
2 LIFE AND MARTYRDOI\I
In the Princes lious of the hiwe: Admiraud was his
name. Ac Gilbert of London: best grace hadde there, Of the Prince and alle his: among alle tliat ther were. For ofte al in feteres: and in othe[r] bende, The Prince he servcde atte mete: for him thojte hende. And ofte the Pi'ince al so god: in consail him wolde
drawe. And of the manere of Engelond : him eschce, and of the
law^e. So that me wolde his felawes: moche god ofte do, For his love, and hi furde: the bet for him also. 20 And nameliche thurf a maide: that this Gilbert lovede
faste. The Princes doujter Admiraud: that liire hurte al upe
him caste; That lovede him in durne love: in gret murnynge
and in wo. ForthePrincesheirheowas: forhenadde children no mo. Of hire he hadde lute blisse: and lute harm hit was, For heo com to betere ende: as je schulle ihure that cas. This maide that lovede so: this man durneliche, Ileo spac tho heo scj hire tyme: Avith him priveiliche; Andeschtehim of Engelonde: and of the manere there, And of the lyf of Cristene men: and what here bile-
ve were. ■'^"
The manere of Engelonde: this Gilbert hire tolde fore. And the toun het Londone: that he was inne ibore; And the bilcve of Cristene men: this blisse withouteu
en do,
OF THOMAS BEKET. 3
In hevene sclial here mecle beo: whan hi schulle lienne
wende. " Woldestou," quath this niaide tho: " ho so it wolde
bede the," Tholiedethfor thi Louerdeslove?"thisGilbei*tseide"3e ;" And that him were switheleof: ho so him therto broujte. Tho this maide him isej so stedefast: heo stod longe in
thojte. "Ich wole," heo seide, "al mi lond: leve for love of
the, " And Cristene womman bicome: if thu wolt spousi
me.
40
Tho Gilbert ihurde this: he stod in grete thojt, And feignede his word her and ther: and ne grantede
nojt. And seide he was al to hire wille : bote he moste bithenche, For he was stronge adrad 3ut: of wommanes wrenche. He drof hire evere biheste: this maide longede sore. And lovede him durneliche: evere the leng the more. Gilbert and his felawes siththe: as God the grace sende, Prisoun breke and by nijte: out of the londe wende. Thereveamorwe that hem scholde: to here labour lede, Nuste he tho he miste hem: what him was to rede, so Faste he suede after hem: he and othere mo, Ac er hi come to Cristene men: me ne mijt hem no3t
ofgo. Ac whan hi ne mijte no3[t] hem oftake: a3en hi turnde
tho, And dude here beste a3e the Prince: ac evereft he
was wo.
B 2
4 LIFE AND MARTYRDOM
The maide makede deol ynouj: tliatlieo was evere ibore, For al the ioye of thisse lyve: hire tliujte heo hadde
forlore. Heowep and makede somoche deol: that me ne hurdc
nevere more, Ne telle of womman that me wiste: that love abou3te
so sore. For hi nijte heo wende alone: heo niiste whoderward, And of spense with hire nom: to siche Gilbard. f'O And bilevede al hire grete heritage, and hire cun also, And ne sparede for no sorewe: that mi5te come hire to; Ne for siknisse, ne for deth: ne for sorewe, ne for wo, Ne for peryl in the see: na londe nothe mo; Ne that heo scholde among Cristene men: vilere than
an hound beo, Ne that hi ne knewe hire speche no3t: ne heo nuste
whoderward teo; Ne whar he scholde alyve: this Gilbert fynde 03t, Ne whar he wolde hire spousi: whan heo him hadde
al isojt. And natheles heo wende forth: with wel god i)as. Hou thinjth thou, nas heo hardi nojt? for gode me
thin3th heo was. 't^
Heo nom and eschte to Engelonde: and gret peryl
an honde nom, So that in pyne and wo ynou: atte laste heo com. And tho heo was alles thidcr icome: heo ne couthe
Englisch word non, Bote '* Londone, Londonc:" to csche whoderward gon. And thcrthurf me ta3te hire the wei: so that heo thidcr
com.
OF THOMAS BEKET. 5
And jeocle aboute as a best: that ne coutlie no wystlom, As lieo were of another wordle: that folc thicke
ynou5, To biholde such a mopisch best: aboute hire ther drouj. And nameKche 3unge childerne: and wylde boyes also. For the wonder suede hire: and scornede hire
therto. 8"
So that mid noyse and cri ynou5 : attan ende bi cas, Tho heo com aje thulke hous: ther this Gilbert was, As Seint Thomas was inne ibore: joyful was that cas, Ther is nouth an hospital: arerd of Seint Thomas. As Richard therinne was: the noyse he ihurde there. Out he 3eode forte awaite: what that wonder were. Hid stod, tho he hire ikneu: as a man that were forlore, In gret wonder he cm in: and toldehis louerd fore. This Gilbert tho3te wonder gret: ac thenchesoun wel
he thojte; He het Richard that he hire uome: and amid a god
wyf brojte '-"^
Ther biside, that faire ynou: and with fair semblant
hire nom. Attan ende tho this Gilbert: bifore this maide com. This maide ful uprijt iswojc: tho heo him isej, That deol was among al that folc: that ther was tho
nej. This Gilbert him huld somdel stille: as him nothing
nere ; Ac six Bischopes thulke tyme: at Seint Poules were, As hit were at a parlement: for neodes of the londe,
6 LIFE AND MARTYRDOM
This Gilbei't in this wonder cas: him gan understonde, And 3eode and tolde everechdel: red alto afonge. tioo Therof hem wondrede alle: and in consail stode longe. The Bischop furst of Cliichestre: his avys seide tlianne, That hit was a bitokninge: of God and n05t of manne; And that God wokle that hi wci'e i spoused: and such
cas sende therfore, And tliat ther mijte sum holi child: bituene hem beou
ibore. Tlierfore alle hi radde: and bituene hem gonne biseo, That this Gilbert hire scholde spousi: if heo wolde
Cristene beo. So that this maide amorwe: tofore this Bischops com. Hi radde hire for Gilbertes love: afonge Cristendom. "Wei fawe," quath this maide tho: "if he me wolde
spousi ojt. " For 30 mowe alle understonde: if y nadde that ithojt, "I nadde bileved al mi cun: and so wide him iso3t,Cllo " Ne mid hunger and other wo: him so deore abo3t." This maide ibapti3ed was: among the Bischop[s] echon, And he3e men therate of the lond: ther were menion. For reverence of the he36 cunne: and the gentyl blod
also, Of wham heo com, and for heo was: semee and fair
therto. Of this Bischops hi were anon: ispoused in the
place. Ech man mai siggS wel: that ther was Godes grace. For the furste ni5t afterward: bituene hem bi3ute was
OF THOMAS BEKET. 7
The godg child of wham we speketh: the holi Seint
Thomas. 120
This Gilbert amorwe: so gret wille him com to, To wende eft to the holi lond: that he nuste what do. Of his wjf was his meste care: hou scholde fram hire
beo ibrojt, That was so 3ung, and lieo ne couthe: of the londes
lawe no5t. So moche he carede durneliche: that hit was care
to iseo, His wyf was eke in grete thojte: wherfore hit mijte beo, And dradde that hit were for hire: for hi were is-
poused so. Ne mai no man clene telle: of here beire durne wo. This junge wyfnolde fyne: on hire louerd to grede, Forte thenchesoun of his sor: al clenliche he hire
sede; 130
And hou his care was al for hire: to theholie londe to
wende. " Sire," seide this gode wyf: " oure Louerd his grace
the sende ! '' Lute we habbeth to gadere ibeo: and lute joye afonge, " And if tliu wendest thane wey: oute tliu worst wel
longe. " Ac no3t for than ic bidde the: if thu haste wille
and thojt, " In oure Louerdes servise to wende: ne lef hit for me
nojt. " For ich hopie that mi Louerd: that me hath iwist
herto,
8 LIFE AND MARTYRDOM
" The while tliat y ne kneu him nojt: 3ut he wole also. " And eke nou ic am of his: therfore ic bidde the, "If thu wolt wende in his servise: ne lef it nojt for
me. 140
"Ac bilef me Richard thi man: that mi wardeyn
mowe beo, "That knoweth me and mi langage: forte ic the eft
iseo." Gilbert tho heo hurde this: in gret ioy was ido, He ordeyned wel his hous: and his meyne also; And his wyf hou heo libbe scholde: forte God sende
other sonde, And wende forth a Godes name: to the holi londe. And was oute threo 3er and an half: er he aje com. Tho he com he fond his sone: a god goinge grom. Theonige fair and manliche: as eni child mi3te beo, Ech man tolde of him pris: that him mijte iseo. l^o "Wel he wax and ithe3: and to eche godnisse drou3, 3ung he was to skole iset: and spedde wel ynou3. His moder him wolde aldai rede: and ofte on him crie. To lede chast lyf and clene: and fleo lecherie. And lovie tofore alle thing: God and Seinte Marie, And servie hem and holi churche: and leve alle folic. This child the3 hit were 3ung: wel hit iinderstod. For sell child is sone ilered: tlier he wole beo god. Tho this child was bot in elde: of tuo and twcnti 3er, His moder wende out of thissc lyve: that so wel him
loved er. it'O
This child wold Icng to scole go: ac his fader him uolde
fynde.
OF THOMAS BEKET. 9
For child that hath his moder ilore: his help is moche
bi hynde. This child thurf his fader heste: as man that no red
not, Servede aburgejs of the toun: and his accouutes wi-ot, So longe that he com to court: and was in god offiz With the Archebischop of Canterbury: SireThebaud
god and wys. He servede him so hendeliche: that in a lute stounde, He makede him his consailler: so stedefast he him
founde. His Arcedekne he makede him siththe: and dude al
bi his rede. Swithe wel gan this Arcedekne: holi churche lede, ^^o And stifliche huld up hire rijtes: as meni men iseye, And therof noldfi tholie wrong: thej he scholde ther-
fore deye. Wel ofte he wende to Rome: for holi churche also, (Suche prelatj nou an urthe: tofewe ther beoth ido,) So that the Due of Normandie: ymaked was al in pees, Henri Kyng of Engelond: after Stevene the Belees. He lovede moche wel to do: and gode men to him nom, This Henri the gode Kyng: tho he to londe com; And fondede to habbe god consail: and wys thurf al his
myjte, Forto holde riche and pore: andeche man torijte. ^^^ Of the Ardekne Thomas: me tolde him sone ynouj, Hou he stable and wys: and to eche godnisse drouj. Thurf the Archebischopes grant: he makede him
Chanceler,
10 LIFE AND MARTYRDOM
For evere memountej hiin above: that haveth mest poer. Tho Seiut Thomas was iturnd: fram offij of holichurche, To a gret olRj of the wordle: therafter he moste wuvche. Alto nobley of the workle: his contenance he broujte, That me ne huld non so prout: thej other were in his
thojte. With more noblei he rod 7110113: than he was woued
to do; His loreyns weren of golde: stiropes and spores also. 1^0 The pley he snede of houndes : and of hauekes also ynouj, As men thojte in eche poynte: alto prute he drouj. Ac in his hurte hit was another: hou so he him evere
here; [And ever chaste thurgheal thy ng: how so ever it were.] And evere he was for holi churche: and for pore men
also, Ajen the proute conteckours: that wolde ajen hem
05 1 do; To liolde up the rijtes of holi churche: so moche wo he
gan dryve, A3cn the lithere conteccours: that nuyedc him of his
lyve; As the Archebischop tolde: wepinge wel sore, And othere ofte in priveite: that lovcde him the
more. 200
He wilncde mest of alle thing: and on oure Louerd gan
crie, That he moste with onur: levC thulke baillie. And ech other service of court: bi the Kynges gode
wille,
OF THOMAS BEKET. 11
For he nc mijte paye his court: bote he scholde his
soLile spille. Ac the King him fond so stable: and so god consailler, That he nolde maki for no thing: another chanceler. He ne triste to non so moche: ne ther nas non so hej, That so moche wistehis priveitez: ne that him was so
ne3. So moche he caste his hurte on him: that on his warde
he gan do His eldeste sone Sire Plenri: and his heire also; 210 That he were his wardeyn: and his ordeynour, To wisse him after hiswille: and to the Kinges honur. The King wende to Normandie: to seo tourney there, And bilevede his sone with Seint Thomas: that he his
wardeyn were. Bothe the fader and the sone: so moche here love caste, Upe Seint Thomas the holi man: the while it wolde
ilaste; Ther nas non in Engelonde: that hadde so gret poer. Of the ky nedom as Seint Thomas : that was Chanceler. Hit bifulsiththe that Sire Tebaud: (as God the grace
sende,) Tharchebischop of Canterbure: out of this wordle
wende. 220
The crie was sone wide couth: among thue and
freo, That Seint Thomas scholde after him: Archebischop
beo. The King also in Normandie: tho me tolde him the cas, Anon bar his hurte mest: to do ther Seint Thomas.
12 LIFE AND MARTYRDOM
The Covent of Canterbury: desirede liira also;
So as men wolde: ibron3t hit was therto.
At Westmynstre he was ichose: to thulke heje poer,
The vyfte jer that he was: ymaked Chanceler.
Of elde he was thulke tyme: of four and fourti jer;
His owe deth he afeug: and his owe martirdom ther.
For the Kyng was in Normandie: i])resented he l--^'^
was To his 5unge sone in Engelonde: for non other Kyng
ther nas. Ac thej hit were a3en his wille: he nolde hit no3t forsake, Ac he eschte in whiche manere: he scholde the croicc
take. Me seide him that scholde afonge: holi churche so freo, That heo ne scholde under no man: bote under the
Pope beo ; Ne nothing thenche bote holde up: lioli churche lawe. "In thissc liianere,-' quath Seint Thomas: "ic hire
afonge fawe." A TTitsonedai this was: that this dede com to ende, This gode man toward Canterbury: anon him gan weude. Al the contray with onur: to him com and drouj; C'^i'^ Ther was for him in Canterbury: ioye and blisse ynouj. The dai of the Trinite : isacred he was, And afeng his dignete: the gode man Seint Thomas. Sire Henri the Kynges sone: was at bis sacringc, And sixtene Bischops ek: this dede to ende fortobringe. Tho this dede was ido: hi gonne to sendC sone, After his pallioun to Rome: as rijt was to done. The Pope Alisandre: was tho at Moutpaillers,
OF THOMAS BEKET. 13
Thicler wende this wisC' men: that were messagers.250 I'he Abbot Adam of Evesham: to here cheveteyn hi
nome, To the Pope Alisaiidre: to Montpaillers hi come. Here erande hi hadde sone: for he hem nothing ne
wornde, Hi neme of him here leve: and hamward a^e turnde. And this pallioun was: to Seint Thomas ibrou3t : This gode man hit afeng: with wel mykle thojt. Tho he was in his dignete: al clanliche ido, He gan to cliangi al his lyf: and his manere also. The here he dude next his liche: his flesches maister
to beo. Schurte and brech streit jnouy. adoun to the kneo. For he tho3te he mijte wel: of othere habbe maistrie, If he hadde of his owe flesch: thurfout seignurye. 202 If his sonle maister were: and his flesch hire hyne, Him thojte he mijte his dignete: bringe to god fyne. Above the here siththe: thabyt of monek he nom, And siththe clerkes robe above: as to his stat bicom. So that he was withinne monek: withoute clerk also, Thurf thabyt that he hadde on him: priveiliche ido. In penance and in fastinge: he was nijt and dai, And in oreisoun bote the while: he aslepe lai. 270
Evere wan he masse song: he wep and sijte sore, Faste he hastede therwith: ne mijte no man more. Faire me fedde him atte mete: with great noble and
prute. And of the beste hira silve he at: swithe scars and lute.
14 LIFE AND MARTYRDOM
Of his ordres he was wel streit: and he was in greete
fere, Forto ordeini eni man: bote he the betere were. Idel nolde he nevere beo: bote evere doinge he was, Of eche manere of betere lyve: nevere bischop nas. Sire Henry the Kinges sone: that with him was ibrojt, Levede evere in his warde: fram him he nolde nojt.^so The love that bituene hem was: such nas nevere
iseje, Ne this child nadde of no man: more love ne fairere eye. Siththe that hit biful that the King: fram Norman- die com To Engelond, to loke the stat: of his kynedom. Seint Thomas nam with him: Sire Henri his sone, And wende faire a3en him: anon to South Hamptonne. Ther was ioye and blisse ynouj: tho hi togadere come. Hi custen hem faste and clupte: and herede God Home. The King bilevede in Engelond: to loke his kynedom, And to al his privei consail: Seint Thomas he nom; And huld him evere as he dude er: his hejiste t290
consaillcr. And nolde his thonkes habbe ihaved :non other chanceler. Ac nathcles whan he eni thing: dude ajen rijte, Seint Thomas was therajen: evere bi al his myjte. Siththe hit biful that the Bischop: of Wircestre ded
was, And Sire Gilbert Foliot: (as God 3af that cas), That was Bischop of Hereford: ibrojt was jut to more, And ymaked Bischop of Londone: that ne reude him Mojt sore.
OF THOMAS BEKET. 15
So tliat both the bischopi'iches: fulle bothe in the
Kynges hontl, Of Wircestre aud of Hereford: as hiwe was of lond. The Kjng lie jaf hem no3t anon: ac he huld hem
iniie longe, ^'^^
In his hond tliat he myjte: the more prou afonge. Hit ue likede no5t Seint Tliomas: that holi churche so, Scholde for a lute coveitise: in the Kinges hond beo ido. Him thojtethat hit was wel mocliel: ajeii oure Louerdes
wille, And that the Kyng myjte so: holi ehurche spille. In faire manere he bad the Kyng: that he ne scholde
bileve, That thulke tuei bischopriches: sum god man he jeve. The Kyng anon myldeliche: grantede his bone. And this bischopriches he jaf: tuei gode men wel sone. Sire Roger he makede a god man : Bischop of Wircestre, Sire Roberts sone that was: Eorl of Gloucestre. 312 Bischop he makede of Hereford: a good man ynouj. Sire Robert of Mulnes: that to alle godnisse drouj. Ano5t Seint Thomas thojte wel: that he ne mijte
all paye, The King ne his consail, bote he Avolde: holi churche
bitraye. In care and sorewe he was ynou: liou he mi3te beste do. For he ne mi3te no3t pae the Kyng: and oure Louerd
also. Seint Thomas lialewe thulke 3er : the cliurche of
Redinge, That ifounded was and arerd: thurf Henri oure Kynge;
16 LIFE AND MARTYRDOM
That lyth ther faire ibured: Williames sone Bastard. 321 Intliulke3er Seint Thomas ek: schrynede Seint Edward, At Westmynstre as he litli: that bifore Kyng Wilhem
was, Bote King Harald him was bituene: for his poer no
leng uas. The love was evere gret ynou3: bituene Seint Thomas And the King, forte the devel: hit desturbede, alias! Lute and lute the contek aros: for pore manes rijte, For paye oure I-oucrde and the King: no man ne mijte. The furste tyme that Seint Thomas: outliche him
withsede, Was for pouere men that the Kynge: dude an unrijt
dede. 330
The King nom thurf al Engelond: fram 3ere to 3ere
wide, After his wille a summe of pans: ideld in echeside. And siththe he let thurf enqueste: thurf the contray
enquere, Hou moch eche man scholde paye: and what here ri3t
were. So longe that he nom it to taillage: and eschte hit
atte laste, Eche 3ur thurf a certeyn rente: thurf al Engelonde
faste. Wliat for eye, what for love: non him ne withsede, Ac evere tho3te Seint Thomas: that hit was an unri3t
dede. He tho5te on God and on his soule: and bilevcde man-
hedc,
OF THOMAS BEKET. 17
And to the King wel baldeliclie: wende withoute
drede. 340
" Sire," he seide, " if hit is thi wille: thu ert riche and
hende, " And Kyng of gret poer ynou3 : oure Louerd the morg
sende ! " A taiUage thu hast ech jer: thurf out al thi londe, " And eschet hit for a certeyn rente: with unrijt ich
understonde. "For certeyn rente schal beo itake: ech 3er at a cer- teyn day, "And siththe a certeyn assigned: as thu wost by rijte
lay. "Ac this nas nojt certeyn itake: eche 3er assigned is, " Thurf enqueste of the contray: as taillage, iwis. " Whar thurf me thinjth a certeyn rente: thu ne mi3t
no3t make, "Ac a taillage and sumdel: with unri3t itake." 350 "Thomas, Thomas," quath the Kyng: "thu ert mi
Chanceler. " Thu au3test bet holde up: than withsigge mi poer." " Sire," quath this holi man: " ich habbe ibeo with the, " And thu hast (God hit the 3ulde): gret god idome; " Ac another baillie ich habbe afonge: the3 hit were
a3en mi wille. " And ynemai no3t bothe wel: bote ich mi soule aspille. " For ich am alto lute worth: that on forto loke. " Thanne dude he gret folic: that more me bitoke. " Therfore ich 3ulde the up here: al clene the chan- celerie,
c
18 LIFE AND MARTYRDOM
" And take me to holi churche: to God and Seinte
Marie." 360
Tho was the King wroth ynou3: wrothere than he
evere was ; Ac natheles his hurte bar: evere to Seint Thomas. The thridde thing 5ut mest of alle: in eontek hem
broujte. A preost ther was a lither man : that of God nojt ne
rou3te, That of manslajt was bicliped: and ynome also, And in the Bischopes prisoun was: of Salesbury ido. The manSs freond that was aslawe: suede up him faste, So that the preost to jugement: ibro3t Avas atte laste. Me acusede him faste of the dethe: ac he nanswerede
no5t therto, And huld him faste to holi churche: and upe non other
nolde hit do. 370
Iloked he was to purgi him: thurf clergie if hemijte, And therof him was dai iset: thurf holi churche rijte. Tho the dai him was icome: he no mijte him purgi
nojt; He was sone ilad ajen: and in prisoun ibro3t. Thanne was the Bischop in grot doute: what were
therof to done, Forto habbe wisere red: to Seint Thomas he sende sone. And he sendg wordeaj^: that he scholde the preost take, And desordeyni him of his ordre: and a lewed man of
him make; And siththe in strong wardc him do: that lie nevere
out ne wende,
OF THOMAS BEKET. 19
In penance and in pyneynou3: his synne forto amende. The Bischop of Salesbury: dude Seint Thomas heste,38i So that this preost was ibro5t: in turmentj with the
meste. So that the tethinge therof: to the Kynge com, That a lither theof and a manquellere: hadde so lijt
dom. Him thojte that hit nas no3t lawe: ne that hit mijte
beo so; And Phelip de Boys a canoiin: him hadde eke misdo. Therfore was ech other clerc: the more a5en his wille, Him thojte such lawe scholde: the pays of londe aspille. He wilnede as god Kyng: pays in his londe, And in god entente wel hit do: he dude ech under-
stonde. 39iJ
For the pays of the londe: he wolde holde also fawe, As Seint Thomas in his manure; holi churche lawe. He seide that the develes lymes: that ycrouned were so, That mijte so al longe dai: a3en his pays do. For the jugement was so lute: the lasse hi wolde doute. And do theoftlie and robberie: in al the lond aboute. To "Westmystre he let sumni: theBischopes of his londe, And Clerkes that grettest wer6 ek: andhejist, ich un-
derstonde. ''Beaus seignurs," he seide: "ynot what ye habbeth
ithojt: " If 36 goth forth mid 50ure wille: oure pays ne worth
ri3t no3t. 400
"If a clerk hath a man aslawe: other gret theofthe
ido,
c2
20 LIFE AND MARTYRDOM
" And lieo rnowe be desordeyned: and come to fjne so; " Misdo lii wolleth al longe day: and theruppe beo
wel bolde, " And so schal the pays of the londe: wol uvele beon
iholde. "For lute hi wolde recche: to loose here ordre so, " Whan for here ordre hi ne sparieth: theofthe forto do. *• Ac evere the he3ire here ordre is: me thinjth, bi
pur lawe, " The strongere scholde here dom beo: whan hi wolde
to theofthe drawe." " Sii'e, sii-e," quath Seint Thomas: "(if hit is thi
wiUe), "Loth ous were do eni thing: thi pays forto aspille. " Ac clerkes that beoth yordeyned: thu wost hi bereth
a signe,
411
" That hi beoth lymes of holi churche: that so worthi
is and digne. " If hi were thanue with thulkg signe: to uvele dethe
ido, " Aviled werg and ischend: holi churche so. " If hi beoth furst desordeyned: for thulke silvedede, " And siththe thurf dom to dethe ido: hit nere nojt
wel to rede. " For hit nas nevere laAve ne rijt: doble dom to take, " For 0 trespas as thu wost: and sinne hit were to make. " And unworthere than a lewed man :holi churche were so, " For a lewed man for o trespas: nis bote ojugement ido. " Thcrfore thi grace we bisecheth: (if liit is thi
wille,) 421
OF THOMAS BEKET. 21
" That thu ne rere no iiue lawe: holi cburche to spille. " For we biddetli nijt and dai: as rijt is that we do, " For the and for thi children ek : and for thi kynedom
also." "Beau sire," quath the King tho: "thu saist wel
ynouj: " Ich hadde loth bi myne concience: do holi cburche
eni W0U3. " Ac lawes ther beoth and custumes: that evere hab-
beth ibeo iholde, " Of bischopes thurf al Engelonde: as oure ancestres
habbeth itolde. " And bi theKyng Henries dai: that oure ancestre was, " Iconfermed were and iholde ek: that no man ther
aje nas. 430
" Woltou thulke lawes holde? do me to understonde
sone." *' We schuUe do, sire," quath Seint Thomas: " al that
is to done. " Alle the lawes and custumes: we woleth holde bi
oure mijte, "That beoth to holde and habbeth ibeo: sire, sauv6
oure rijte." " Sauf joure rijtes?" quath the Kyng: " beau sire, whi
saistou so? "Ine scholde nothing bi that word: aye thi wille do " That thu noldestsigge that hit were: a3en holi cburche
i'i5te; " And bringe so al mi lond: in contek and in fijte. "Ac therwithoute oldc lawes: siker ich understonde,
22 LIFE AND MARTYRDOM
" That hit beo venyiiious: to the pays of mi londe."-i^O " Sire, sire," quath this holi man: " iie meve ^e 3011 ri3t
nojt: " Wei thu wost that ech of ous: er we were herto
ibro5t, " Trunisse the swoi'e, as ri5t was: and urthlich onur also, " Sauve oure ordre and oure ri5t: ac that was out ido. " Hou scholde we nouthe other do? ne aujte 50 ous no3t
beode. " For Godes love hold ous to ri3te: for 36 nabbeth non
other neode." " Ich iseo wel, Thomas," quath the King: " wharto
thu wolt drawe: " Thu ert icome to late forth: to bynyme ous oure lawe. " Thu woldest me rnakemoi'e wrecche: than evere eni
kyng was: '• Thu ert icome therto to late: thu liast icast ambezas." The Kyng aros mid wraththe ynou3: and let hem sitte
echon, ^^l
And to his chambre wend forth: and no grette no5ton. Fram Londone he wende sone: in wraththe as the3 hit
were: He ne seide no man of his tho5t: ac bilevede hem theix'. ThoBischopestho3tethoanon: thathe was wroth ynou3, Ther were fewe bote Seint Thomas: that toward him
ne drou3. On Seint Thomas hi cride faste: his tho3t forto wende. Other he wolde al that lond: withthulkcwortli aschende. Knyghtes and othere eft come: that with the Kinge
were,
OF THOMAS BEKET. 23
And bede him ententifliche : that he thulke word forbere ; And that him were gret folie: the King in wraththe
bringc, 461
And desturbi al that lond: for so kite thinge. Seint Thomas in thojte longe: " Leove bretheren," he
sede, "Nevere a3e the Kynges honur: ynelle do no dede. "Ac ech word ich wole bileve: that aje the Kynges
honur is." Tho were thothere gUid ynouj: tho hi ihux'de this; And radde him wende to the Kyng: his wraththe for-
to stille. "Leof me were," quath Seint Thomas: " mid rijte do
his wille." To the Kyng he wende to Oxenford: and with him
ther he fond 471
Grete Eorles, and Barouns: the he3iste of tlie lond. The King him welcomede so: mid wel lute chere. Bischopes he letclipie: and Eorles that ther were. "Beau sires," quath the King: " ich am Kyng: with
rijtes of this londe: " Custumes ther were bifore: yused ich understonde. "And so moche wrecche nam ynojt: that ynelle the
lawes holde, " Thatoure anc^stres hulde wyle: asourecounsailou[r]s
tolde. " Therfore ich wole that thulke lawes: iconfermed beo
echon, "Of myn Eorles and of myne Knyjtes: that hi ne
withsigge nojt on.
24 LIFE AND MARTYRDOM
" Therfore icli bote 50U echone: that 36 beo tliulke day, " At mi maner at Clarendone: witlioute ech delay, 480 " To confermi thulke lawes: upe peyne that ich wole
sett, " Ich bote that 56 beo tber ecbon: tbat nothing 30U ne
lette." Sitbtbe departede this court: to his inne ech drou3, And evere was Seint Thomas: in care and soi*ewe
ynou3. The Biscbops and theBarouns: come alle to the daye, To Clarendone in Wiltescbire: the Kyng for to paye. The parlement him was ibolde: in the ellevetbe 3ere Of the Kynges coronement: that so mocbe folc brou3te
there. And elleve bondred 3er: in the furthe and sixti 3er ri3t, Hit was after that ourc Louerd: in his moder was ali3t. Noble was the parlement: of this Clarendone, 't^i
For tber were, furst and aforeward: the Kyng and his
sone. And the Arcbebiscbop of Canterbury: and Sire Roger
also, Tbarcbebiscbop of Everwyk: fornere tber bote tbei tuo. And Sire Gilbert Foliot: Bischop of Londone, And the Biscbop of Lincolne: were alle at Clarendone. And Sire Neol, Biscbop of Ely: and the Biscbop of
Wircestre, Sire Roger, and Sire Ilillari: Bischop of Circestre. The Biscbop William of Nortwich: and the Bischop of
"\Yy[n]chestre, Sire Heni*i, and Sire Bartlomeu: Biscbop of Chicbestre.
OF THOMAS BEKET. 25
Sire Osbern, and Sire Godefrai: Bischop of Excestre,50i Sire Austin, and Sire Bias: Bischop of Wircestre. The Biseliop of Salesbury: Jocelyn, and Robert, The Bischop of Herford: and also Sire Richard, The Bischop of Chestre: this Bischops echon, Were at this parlement: and Eorles meni on. Sire Renald Eorl of Cornwaille: and the Eorl of
Leicesti'e, Sii*e Robert, and Sire Roger: Eorl of Gloucestre. Sire Conan Eorl of Bretaigne: and the Eorl John of
Angeo, Sire Godefrai Eorl de Maundevyle: was ther also. ^10 Sire Hughe Eorl of Chestre: and Eorl Williem of
Ferers, Were at this parlement: stout ynou and fers. Barouns ther were meni on: as Sire Williem de Lucj, And Sire Renaud de Wareyne: and Sire Renaud de
Seint Walry. Sire Roger Bigod also: Sire Richard de Caunvyle, Sire Williem de Brewesek: Sire Robert deDunstanvyle. Sire Neel de Mountbray: Sire Umfrai de Booun, Sire Simon de Beauchamp: louerd of meni o toun. Sire Jocelin de Baillolf: Sire Williem de Hastinge, Sire Hughe de Morevyle: that so wel was with the
Kynge. 520
Sire Williem Malet: Sire Johan the Seneschal, Sire Simon le Fiz Peres: gret man thurfout al. Sire Williem de Maudut: and Sire Godefrai de Veer; Thus alle grete louerdlings: and jut mo were ther. Nou God helpe Seint Thomas: (for he was alone,)
26 LIFE AND MARTYRDOM
That withseicle atte laste: this lordlings echone.
Tho hi bigonue this parlement : the King him eschte anon,
Whar hi wolde the lawes holde: as his ancestres dude
echon. " Sire," quath Seiut Thomns: " if hit thi wille is, 529 " Ech man mot speke for him silve: and ich for me iwis. " For my stat, and for holi ehni'che: icli ansuerie therto, "That alle the gode old lawes that habbeth ibeo: and 5ut
beotli also, Granti ich woli for holi churche: and for to habbe
thin ore, " Sauf cure ri3t and oure ordre: thu ne mi5t esche no
more." For that word the King was wroth : that gan him evere
mislike. Seint Thomas wep in his hurte: and sore gan to sike. Alto blodi was that word: and deore hit was iboujt, For therfore to dethe he was: atte laste ibrou3t, 538 The Bischop of Northwich: and of Salesbure also, Kneulede tofore him wepinge : that he scholde another do ; And habbe reuthe of holi churche: and of hem echone, Thathineretogroundcibrou3t: thurfthulke word alone. Ilejc men of the Kinges curt: meni on eke wende. And kneulede tofore Seint Thomas: that word to amende. "Lordlings," quath Seint Thomas: "ich am 5ut 3ung
man, " And lute while bischop ibeo: and lute theron ich can. "Therfore of this olde lawes: transcrit he me take, "And ich wole ther uppe consailli mc: which beo to
forsake."
OF THOMAS BEKET. 27
The Kjng him let transcrit make: of this custumes
echon : Seint Thomas grantede somme: and withseide meni on. The lawes that ich wole 30U telle: he grantede wel
fawe: — 551
If a bonde man hadde a sone: to clei'gie idravve, He ne scholde withoute his louerdes leve: not icrouned
beo, Forthu man ne mai no3tboutehislouerd: beo ymaked
freo. Another lavve he grantede ek: that ^e mowe nou iseo: If eni man of lioli churche: holdeth eni laifeo, Persoun, other what he beo: he schal do therfore, Servise that to tlie kinge faith: that his rijt ne beo
forlore. And in plaiding stondein eche place: and jugement also, Bote ther man schal beo bylymed: other to dethe ido. He grantede ek if eni man: the kinges tray tour were, And eni man his catel: to lioli churche here; 502
That holi churche ne scholde nojt: the catel there
lette, That the kyng wel baldeliche: out of the churche hit
felte. For al that the feloun hath: the kynges hit is, And eche man mai in holi churche: his owe take iwis. He grantede ek that a churche: as of the kinges ce, In one stede evere and evere: ne scholde i3eve beo, As to hous of religioun: withoute the kinges leve. And that he, other the patroun: furst the 3ift 3eve. Seint Thomas grantede this: and fele otherfe mo, 571 Ac this othere he withsede: that dude him wel wo: —
28 LIFE AND MARTYRDOM
If bituene tuei lewede men : were eni strivinge, Other bituene a lewede man and a clerc: for lioli
chux'che tliinge; As for an avoweisoun of cliurche: whether scholde the
churche 5yve; The king wokle that in his bond: the phii were idryve: Fora[s]moche as a lewed man: that o parti was, Clanliche was under the kyng: and under the bischopnas. That other was, that no bischop: ne clerc nothe mo, Ne schulde withoute the kinges leve: outof Engelonde
go, 580
And thanne hi schulde swerie here oth: upe the boc, iwis, That hi ne scholde purchaci non uvel: the Kyng, ne
non of his. The thridde was, that if eni man: in mansing were
ibrou5t. And siththe come to amendement: and aje ri5te nere
nojt; That he ne swore nojt upe the boc: ac borewesfynde
scholde. To stonde to al that holi churche: with rijtfe lokie wolde. The furthe was, that no man: that of the kinge huld ojt, In chief other in eni servise: in mansinge wereibrojt; Bote the wardeyn of holi churche: that brou3t6 him
therto, 589
The king sende other his baillif: what he hadde misdo; Andloke ther wer he wolde: to amendement hit bringe, And bote he wolde bi here leve: dotluinne the mansinge. The vyftfi was^ that bischoprichcs: and abbeyes
also,
OF THOMAS BEKET. 29
That vacantz were of prelatz: in kinges hond were iclo; And the king scholde al that lond: in his hond take, Forte atte laste that him luste: eni prelat ther make; And thulke prelat thanne sholde: in his chapel ichose
[beo], Of his clerk es which he wolde: to prelat biseo; And thanne whan he were ichose: in his chapel rijt
there, Homage he scholde him do: er he confermed were.600 The sixte was, if eni play: to chapitre were idrawe, And eni makede his appel: that me dude him unlawe; To the bischop fram arcedekne: his appel he scholde
make, And from bischop to archebischop : and siththe non
hejere take; And bote the archebischopes curt: to ri3te him woldg
bringe, That he scholde fram thulke curt: biclipie to the kynge; And fram kingeno hejere mo: and siththe attan ende, Plaidinge fram holi churche : to the ky nge scholde wende ; And the king amendi scholde: the archebischopes dede, And beo in the popes stede: that Seint Thomas with-
sede. . 610
The sovethe is, that plaiding: that of dette were. To julde wel with truthe iplijt: and nojt ijulde nere. Al thej thurf truthe were the play: hit scholde beon
ibroujt, Bifore the king and his baillifs: and to holi churche
noujt. The ei3tethewas, that in thelonde: citacioun non nei'e,
80 LIFE AND MARTYRDOM
Thiirf bulle of the pope of Rome: ac al clene ileved
were. The neo3ethe was, that Peteres pans; that me
gadereth meni on, To the pope nere not on isend: ac to the king echon. The teethe Avas, if eni clerk: as feloun were itake, And for feloun iproved: and ne mi5te hit no5t forsake; That me scholde him furst desordeyny: and siththe
thurf pur lawe, C2l
And pur jugement of the lond: bringe him out of
dawe. The King thuse custumes pulte forth: and meni
other anon, And het thurfout al Engelond: holde heiji echon. This was bifore the Candelmasse: the furthe dai ido: The King het tho Seint Thomas: and other Bis-
chopes also, On this chartre sette here seles: that non aftertale nere, Ac thurfout al Engelond: that this custumes iholde
were. " Sire, sire," quath Seint Thomas: "for Godes love
thin ore! " To consailli ous bet jif ous furst: er we speke more." So that respit was i5yve: and ech wende in his side: Seint Thomas nom his transcrit : and nolde no leng abide. To Winchestre he wende thanne: with sorwe and care
ynou3,
633
Hou he my5te holi churche: schulde fram his WOU3. Whan other men Avere faste aslepc: he wep and sijte sore,
OF THOMAS BEKET. 81
And bad God helpe liolichurche: and cride him milce
and ore. He sej ther nas bot o wei: other he nioste stif beo, Other holi churche was bynethe: mid rijte that was so
freo. Carful he was and sori: that he toe on so, Forto entri in answare: ther ne scholde non do; 640 That he afeng the transcrit: and furst hadde ibede, For him tho3te al holi churche: he misdude in the stede. For holi churche ne scholde no5t: in none stede stonde
to dome, Ne answere to kyng ne prince: bote the pope of Rome. The deol that Seint Thomas makede: no tonge telle
ne may: "Louerd!" he seide, "alias, alias: that ich evei'e ise3
this day! "That ich, the warde of holi churche: so folliche
scholde take, " So freo as heo was er: so tlieu nou hire make! " Heo that was so freo and 1163: bi myn ancestres daye, " That ich scholde hire bynethe bringe: (alias) and so
bitraye! ^50
" For this martirs that fele were: for hire to dethe ido, "And heo is thu thurf me ymaked: alias! whi dude
ich evere so? " Unworth ich am of holi churche: wardeyn forto
beo, " And of unworthe therto ynome: as meni man niai
iseo. " For ynam (as ri3t were): fram non ordre ynome.
32 LIFE AND MARTYRDOM
"Acfram Kinges court to holi churclie: uvele wokle
hit bicome! " Of houndes ich was and hauekes: vvardeyn with the
Kyng; " And wardeyn am of soules nouthe: that ne vieth
nothing. " Ich, that forsoc myn owe soule: the while ich was
Chanceler,
" So nieni soulen habbe to loke: aUas what do ich her!
" Ich doute that God me habbe forsake: hou tok ich
on? alias!" 661
The deol that makede this holi man: withoute ende
evere hit was. He wep and si3te ni5t and dai: he huld him silve for-
lore; And if he mi3te asoilled beo: to the Pope he wolthe
therfore. So he wende toward Canterbury: sone the Kyng me
tolde, That tharchebischop nolde: no5t his statutz holde. To the see he wende: toward Rome: that no man hit
nuste, Bote tueye that he tok with him: that of his consail
mest wiste. Siththe whan his men him miste: and nuste whar he
bicom, Andse3ethatlii were louerdles: ech of hem his red nom. Forto do everech his beste: to wende ech in his side, As men that were louerdles: and nuste nojt wher abide. 672
OF THOMAS BEKET. 83
This lioli man wcnde forth: and dude him into schip
sone, And wende forthward in the see: as he tho5te to done. The wynd com, as oure Louerd hit wolde: and drof
hem aje to londe, Siththe he wende him eft into the see: passage forto
fonde. The wynd him drof eft aje: and 5iit in he wende, And evere he was a5en idryve: as oure Louerd the grace
sende. Tho isej wel this holi man: that hit nas nojt Godes
wille, That he the 3ut of londe Avende: he turnde a3e wel
stille. 680
On of his serjantz sat anijt: the while tliat men woke, In his in at Canterbury: the chambre forto loke. In theveninge he bad his knave: the dore to steke
faste, The knave wende toward the dore: and his e3en aboute
caste. Tho sej he Seint Thomas: in an hurne stonde, He orn and tolde his maister fore: and thonkede Godes
sonde. The serjant ne leovede hit nojt: ac natheles up he aros, And fon Seint Thomas in an hurne: sumdel him agros. Ther was sone joye and blisse: that folc to him drouj, And wolcome him and makede feste: with joye and
blisse ynouj. 690
Hi leidebord and spradde cloth: and gonne to sopi faste. Seint Thomas wel myldeliche: tolde hem atte laste,
D
34 LIFE AND MARTYRDOM
Whocler he tho5t6 habbe iwende: and what cas God him
sende, And hou hit nas no5tGodes wille: that he the 3utwende. Tethinges to the Kynge come: hou this gode man
Seint Thomas, A5en the statutz of Clarendone: of londe iwende was. For the statut was, that no bischop: scholde for non
ende, Withoute leve of the Kynge: out of londc wende. The King sende anon his men: to seisi al his lond, Andtharchebischopriche also: as traitours, in his bond. The baillifs come to Canterbury: as hi ihote were; Tho hi wende habbe here wille: hi fonde Seint Thomas
there. ^"O
Nothing ne mi5ten hi seisi tho: than? wei hi hadde
forlore, As hi come hi wende a3e: and tolde the Kinge fore. 3ut Seint Thomas thojte eft: forto fondi more, If he mi3te habbe of the Kinge: betere milce and ore. He 3arkede him wel mykleliche: and to him thane
wei noni, He fond him at Wodestoke: and to him thider he com. As his urliche louerd: he grette him faire ynou3, TheKyng bihuld him al anhoker: and scornliche som-
del I0U3. 710
"Thomas," he seide, " hou goth this: beo we so grete
fon, " That we ne mowe beo in one londe: Thomas, hou
schal this gon?" " Sire, sire," quath Seint Thomas: " so ne schal hit
nevcre l)eo.
OF THOMAS BEKET. 35
"Ac God sencle lioli churclie: betere grace to the. "And sende the wille to loven hire bet: and God for
his mi3te. " Ne lete me nevere a5en thi wille: do thing mid
unri3te." This Archebischop of Canterbure: fondede forto bringe Acord and love, bi his poer : bituene him and theKynge. The King swor anon his oth: that non other acord he
nolde, Bote the statutz of Clarendone: ech bischop holde
scholde ; ' ^^
And nameliche tlieo for alle other: if a clerk hadde
misdo, And forfeloun iproved were: and for theof also, That me scholde him anon desordeynen: and siththe,
thurf lawe, The Kinges baillyf delyvri him: to anhonge other to
drawe. Seint Thomas ise3 wel tho: that ther nas weibote on; Other he moste withstonde: other his rijtes forgon. He thojt that holi churche: he nolde nevere bitraye, And that he nolde nevere in suche servage: bringe hire
bi his daye. Rathere he wolde, as othere were: to martirdom beo ido, Than holi churche were to bynethe: iredi he was therto. Nevere ne mi5te the King and he: nothing acordi
there, ^-^^
Ac departede al in wraththe: as hi dude ofte ere. The King him makede wroth ynou5: that so ofte in
baret Avas,
d2
36 LIFE AND MARTYRDOM
For 0 man that him withsede: and non other a5en him
nas. In grete wraththe he swor his oth: that he wohle of
him beo awrcke, If he nioste abide the dai: and with tunge speke. He let somni Seint Thomas: the nexte Thursdai that
ther were, Before Seint Lukes dai, at Norharaptone: to 5eve him
ansuere there. Andalle the Bischops of the lond: and the Bai'ouns also, He het to beo ther thulke dai: al his heste to do. '"^ Seint Thomas londes ek: in his bond hi nome. As to distreigny him: that to his court he come. Nou God helpe Seint Thomas: for other help nadde
he non. Among so meni tirantz to come: that alle were his
fon! Bodi and soule he bitok: lesus Godes Soue, And at his dai isumned: he wende to Norhaniptone. In the castel sat the curt: bifore the tirantz echone, This holi man a Godes name: wende among hem one. " Sire King," he seid6, " God the loke; and sauve thi
dignetfi I " Isumned ich am to this dai: to answere to ll c. '50 " Archebischop of Canterbure: nas nevere isumned so; " Ne distreigned of nothing: ynot what thu thenjst do. "Inot what is thi nue lawe: that thu gynst forth to
drawe, "Bote hit beo on of Clarendone: that tlui then5f-t
bringe to lawe.
OF THOMAS BEKET. hi
" On me nastou poer non: such distresce to do,
" Imaked icli am wardeyn of lioli churche: tlie5 yiie
beo nojt worthi therto. " Tin gostlich fader ich am: the5 tliu of me lute lete; "Hit nas nevere ordre that the sone: the fader schulde
bete, " Ne that the disciple beote his maister: al this were
aje lawe. " Al this (ho so ri3t bihalth): thu gynnest forth to drawe. ''^^
"And the Bischops also god: that wardeyns beoth
mid me, "To holde thonur of holi churche: and the he5e
dignete, " Beoth aboute hire to schende: and bringe to vylte, "Nou God 3yve holi churche: betere grace to the! "If thuwolt ou5t toward me: thu west wel ynemai
no3t fi3te, " Irediicham the deth to afouge: for holi churche ri3te." " Inele no man," quath the King: "for holi churche
quelle. "Beau sire, thu spext as a fol: another thu most
telle. "Com to morwe to speche tyme: that thu thane dai
ne breke; " And ich wole of other thinges: thanne to the speke." Thus ther departede the court: amorwe thane Fridai, Seint Thomas wende thider a3e: tho he thane tyme
772
isay. ""
The King sat anhe3 on his cee: and acopede him faste.
38 LIFE AND MARTYRDOM
" Thu were," he seitle, " mi Chanceler: alto longe liit
ilaste. " Icli the lende vyf hontlred pound: and thu ne 3olde
nojt on: " Sete me therof a schort dai: and thu me schalt paye
echon." " Sire," quath Seint Thomas: " God sende ous bet
thin ore! " Ine wende not of thulke pans: 3ulde acountes no
more. "For ich hadde thulke tyme: betere grace of ynouj, " Of the, than ich habbe nou: and that me thin5th is
WOU3. '8t5
" Gode grace ich hadde to the: thu me lovedest ynou
tho; " And thulke pans thu jeve me: and 5ut thu %y oldest
wel mo. " Wel ich am therof iknowe: that ich hem feng of the; " And of thi jifte with gode hurte: for sikere thu ^ave
hem me. "And so hc5 man as thu ert: hit mi3te wel bco stille, " To axi a thing that thu 3eve er: witli thi gode wille." Tlie King him eschte if eni man: thulke 3ifte isay, And whar he mi3te the 3ifte prove: " Sire," he seide,
" nay." "Nou lordlings," quath the King: "wel 3c luu-ctli
this. " Of the gareisounhe is iknowe: that ich him bitok,iwi9: " Ac the 5iftc ne mai he provi no3t: as 30 mowe alle
iseo. ''^i
OF THOMAS BEKET. 39
" Jugement icli axi of this curt: liou hit mai therof beo." The court him lokede, as he was: iknowe of the thinge, That he schukle al the catel: 5ul(le to the Kinge. The King him het the pans jelde: other sikernisse
him make; Other his marschal scholde his bodi: into prisoun take. Seint Thomas of his bischopriche: hadde wel lute god: As helples man among his fon: withoute consail he stod. The marschals iredi were: to prisoun him lede anon: Hi heten him sikernisse fynde: other he scholde with hem gon. 800
This holi man nuste other red: bote suffrede alle here
W0U3. Somme gode men that tlier stode : hadde of him ruthe
ynouj. Vyf Knyjtes nome hem to rede: and wende to the
Kynge; And nome anhond for Seint Thomas: al that ilke
thinge, Ech of hem an hondred pound: for this holi man to
paye. Tho was he al quyt ynouj: as to thuike daye. Amorwe thane Saterdai: a5en to court he wende, Forto hure the Kynges wille: if his hurte wolde
amende. The King sat adoun in his see: Seint Thomas tofore
him stod. "Belami! thu hast," (quath the King): "istole me moche ffod. ^'o
40 LIFE AND MARTYRDOM
" To longe thu were mi Clianceler: and haddest in thin
honde " Abbeyes and biscliopriches: and the more del of mi
londe; *' And ne 5ulde me noneaccountes: therof me rueth sore, "That of thritti thousend pound: thu schalt me and
more. "Therfore make the jare inouj anon: thine accountes
to 3ukle, " For siker thu beo, thu schalt hit do: if ich mai the
vvelde." Alle that ihurde this demande: in gret wonder hi
stode there; And seide among hem ech to other: that hi ne hurde hit
never ere, And that Seint Thomas was albynethe: and that he
upe the poyntc was, To beo icast in prisoun: and non other wei ther nas. Seint Thomas stod in thojte longe: of that the King
him hadde ised, 821
And bad he moste him conseilli: and tlierof nyme his
red. The Bischopes he nom to consail: the King ne wornde
him nojt: In a chambre faste iloke: alle hi were ibrou5t, That hi ne scholde aseapic no3t: er hi respounse sede. " Nou lordhngs," quath Seint Thomas: " hcrof 30
mote me rede. "For so God bringe me out of care: yn abbe therof
gult nou;
OP THOMAS BEKET. 41
" Ac me to scliencle he axetli hem: mid unrijte echon. "Forich was er mid him wel ynouj: and that me
bringeth nou in teone; " Thei'fore ne tok ich no witnisse: of that ous was
bitnene." 8ao
The Bischop Henri of Wynchestre: furst bigan him
rede. "Sire," he seide, "thus me thinjth: thu mi3t do of
this dede. " Thu mijt sigge that thulke tyme; that thu were mid
the Kynge, "Ne tho thu wendest of his baillie: he ne axede the
no thinge; " And thu afoiige the bischopriche: so clene and so freo, " Tliat thu of non other thing: ne sclioklest icliarged
beo; " And quath the quit al clenliche: eche other cure ther. "And the neschte nothing of node: that tliu haddest
ido er. " Whar thurf me thin3th that of nothing: thu ne schalt
ansuere no5t, " Bote to wardi holi churche: of alle othere tliu ert
ibrojt." 810
The Bischop Gilbert of Londone: seide tlio his avys. " Sire," he seide, " if thu thein3st: as god man and
wys, "What god the King the hath ido: and to what peer
ibrojt, " And hou lute god ther wole come: of such wonder
tho3t.
42 LIFE AND MARTYRDOM
"And in which wo thu bringest ous alle: and holi
churche also, "And peryl of thyn owe bodi: bote thu his wille do; "If thu al this understode: me thencheth, ivvis, " That thu scholdest fondi hitn to paye: elles thu dost
amis." Tho seide the Bischop of Wircestre: " Sire Gilbert,
beo stille! " We suspendieth such consail: for hit nis no5t worth a
spille." 850
The Bischop Hillari of Chichestre: bigan to spekg tho: " Sire," he seide, "mi consail is: hou so hit evere go, "In faire manere to fonde: to paye this Kinges wille, " With faire biheste forte eftsone: that hit were stille. " Thanne we mi3te, whan we were: of this destresce
ibrojt, " The bet cheve of oure consail: for nou ne do we
no3t." The Bischop Robert of Lincolne: radde wel therto: " Sire Archebischop," he seide: "for Gode thu must
do so. " Other thu lust thi bischopriche: other peraventure
thi lyf; " And thanne thu bijetest lute: (me thin3th) with thi
strif." 860
The Bischop Bartholomeu: bigan to siggehis tho5t: "In sorwe of the wordle: and care we bcotli ibrojt. " Betere hit were that on hcved: in peryl him brojte, " Than holi cliurche were byncthe: and ibrojt to
no3te."
OF THOMAS BEKET. 43
The Bischop Roger of Wircestre: longe in tho3te
stod: "Inele" Jie seide " sigge on no other: for ynot what
is god. " If ich rede forto abowe: to the Kynges wille, " Mi owe mouth mi soule demeth: al holi churche to
spille. " Ac if ich rede a5en him beo: in this place som is, " That wole telle the Kinge fore: and make him mi fo,
iwis." 870
Bi the Bischop of Londone: thulke word he sede, That ajen Seint Thomas was: midword and middede. Therfore he seide " on no other: ynelle sigge, iwis: " God consail God ous jeve: for al neod hit is." Hi alle ne coutlie this consail: bringe to god ende; Ne devise hi mi3te best: out of chambre wende. Atte last this consail al: moste npe Seint Thomas gon: Tuei Eorles of the Kinges hous: he let clipie anon. "We habbeth," he seide, "lordlings: ispeke of this
thinge; "And as furforth as we mowe: we wolleth paye the
Kinge. ^'^'^
"And for we nabbeth al iredi her: oure consail clene, " Forte nexte dai we biddeth furst: that 30 granti ous
nou ene." Tho that furst was igranted: and ech wende in his weye, Meni of Seint Thomas men: levede him for eye; And Kni3tes that were ek with him: al framward him
drowe. Seint Thomas nom bi the wci: pore men ynowe.
44 LIFE AND MARTYRDOM
And ladde hem lioin to his in: and to the mete hem
sette, And servede hem his owe bodi: and mete ynouj hem
fette. "This beoth,'- he seide "gode knyjtes: other men
me habbeth forsake; " Thuse knijtes ich lovie more: to hem ich wole take." The Sonedai there nas no court iholde: for the hej?
day: 8fl
The Monedai Seint Thomas: sore sik lay. The the uvel of mandeflanc: that ofte to him com; And for the care that he was inne: we\ the worse him
nom. Me seide him makede him sek: for he ne therste forth
wende: Tlie King in gret wraththe ynouj: after him let sende. " Wei 36 seoth," quath Seint Thomas: " that ynemai
come no3t: " Ac certes tomorwe ich wole: hou so ich beo thider
ibrojt. " Thej ich scholde beo thider ibore: in barewe other
in here, " Thider ich wole, thurf God(?s grace: God me helpe
there!" , 900
Amorwe thane Tuesdai: oure Louerd him gan arere, Thane morwe after Seint Lukes dai: as hit ful in the
5ere. Thulke dai he aujte understonde: and meni another
also; For bi custume al his anuy: bi Tuesdai com him to.
OF THOMAS BEKET. 45
Alle the Bischopes thaneTuescIai : erliche to him wende: " Sire," hi seicle, " in feble poynt tliu ert: God thi stat
amende ! " We habbeth therof with one mouthe: oure redynome
echon ; " We redeth the to paye the King: hou vso hit evere gon; "Other we wolleth the here anhond: that thu ert his
traitour, "And forswore, whan thu swore: to don him urthlich
honur, 910
"And dost him nou a tricherie: as he th^ wole here
anhonde, " And bynyme thi stat bicas: and bringe the of thi
londe." "Mi leove bretheren," quath Seint Thomas: " je sig-
geth wel echon, " That al the wordle gret on me one: and alle beoth
myne fon; "And, that is mest reuthe 3ut of alle: 36 that myne
bretheren beoth, "And me (thej ich sinful beo): 30ure fadere in tur-
ment iseoth, " And beoth myne meste fon of alle: and also beoth
al3are, " In seculer court me to deme: and that nele no3t wel
fare. " For 3e habbeth among 3U, this tuei dayes: bispeke
that Home. 919
" Nou God helpe holi churche: and nym6 thertogome! " Ac in obedience ich 3U hote: that 3e ther ne3nebeo.
46 LIFE AND MARTYRDOM
" If ich am ibron3t to juggment: ac ratliere that 36 fleo. "And if eni man hond on me set: ich 3011 hote also, " That 3e sentence of holi churche: for suche vio- lence do; "And holdeth up the ri5tes of holi churche: that 30U
beoth bitake, "For yne schal for no drede of deth: hire ri3tes
forsake." Tho Bischopes were tho wroth ynou5: and wende
to court echone. Nou God helpe Seint Thomas: for he was alone! Bote the Bischop of Wynchestre: ther ne bilevede
with him not on, And the Bischop of Salesbury: that nere fram him
agon. 930
Seint Thomas triste al to God: and greithede him anon. And song a masse of Seinte Stevene: er he com among
his fon. He song ofte thulke masse: for, as heo doth bigynne, The furste office is propre ynou: to the stat that he
was inne. The bigynning of thulke masse: in Anglisch is
this, " For whan princes habbe isete: and a3e me ispeke,
iwis, "And lithere men pursuede me: Louerd, myn help
thu beo!" Meni seide that tliis ihurdc: herbi me mai iseo, That he singeth the masse for than one: for tlie King
and for his;
OF THOMAS BEKET. 47
For he halth hem alle lithere men : that ajen him spek-
eth, iwis. 9io
This word com to court. sone: wher thurf hi were
echon, In the more angusse a3en him: and the more his fon. Andsomme of theKinges conseillers: to him ofte vvende, And seide, bote he hulde him stif: al his lond he
schende. If he grantede Seint Thomas: at thulke tyme his
wille, His poer in his londe were: nevereft worth a fille; Bote lete the clergie al iworthe: and holde him silve
stille, And clerkes di3te al his lond: and al hisreaume aspille; And atte laste hi here owe wille: maki kinges and
cheose, And so schulde ech king after him: his franchise leose: Therfor he moste him wel bithenche: and ne flecchi
nojt. 951
Suchg wordes and meni other: apeirede moche his
tho5t. Tlio Seint Thomas hadde his masse ido: his cheisible
he gan of weve, And alle thother vestimentz: he let on him bileve. Other armure nadde he none: for holi churche to
fijte: God almi3ti beo his help: bi daye and bi njjte! Forth wende this gode knijt: among alle his fon: Nou swete lesu beo his lielp: for other help nadde
he non!
48 LIFE AND MARTYRDOM
Tlie croice he bar on his hond: and ai'erde up his
baner: The Bischop Robert of Herforde: anon wende him ner. "Sire," he seide, " ich crie thin ore: thi chapeleyn
make thu me! -"51
" Bifore the let me bare thi croice: for hit ne falleth
no5t to th^." " The while ich hire here," quath Seint Thomas: " and
tofore me iseo, Ine doutie of no man: the hardiere ymai beo." Tho seide the Bischop of Londone: that everewas his
fo, " Ine rede nojt that thu: tofore the Kinge so go. "For wraththe he wolde anon: awreke him in the
place." "Ich bitake me," quath Seint Thomas: "al to Codes
grace." " 56, al thi lyf," quath this other: " a fol thu hast ibeo, " And that neltou nevere bileve: as me mai nou
iseo." !>"0
Seint Thomas thus, with his croiz: into court gan gon: Tho he sej him come so: he wraththede liim anon. " Lordlings," he seide, " her 3e seoth: hou this man me
schent; " In wliiclie manere is he in this court: among ous
iwent, "As yne bileovede nojt in Cristendom: nc in oure
Louerdcs name. "Ne mot ich nede awreke beo: whan he me doth such
schame?"
OF THOMAS BEKET. 49
Tlio seiJe al the court anon: " Sire, 30 mowe iseo, " That he is prout and contcokour: and evere hath
ibeo. " And in despyt of the and thyne: this dede he hath
ido; " And, if thu wolt, thu mijt beo war: eft to take on so, " To bringe in so gret poer: such on as he is, ^^i
" To tlie hejiste of thi h)nde: as thu makesthim, iwis. " Therfore we ne bymeneth the nojt: for thu noldest
beo iwar bifore, " That we sigge alle bi him: that he is purliche for- swore. " As bi a such man, do bi him: and as bi on of thi fon ; " For he swor the urthHch onur: and he ne doth the
non." The bedeles and other schrewen: on him grenede faste; And ibide the Kinges heste: in prisoun him to caste. The King let crie anon aboute: if eni so wod were, That Seint Thomas consaillede: and cumpaignye here ; Ac as the Kinges traitour: me scholde him nyme anon. Nou swete Jesus beo his help: among alle his fon! ^f*2 The Bischop of Excestre: to Seint Thomas ful akneo, " Merci," he seide, "for Godes love: for sore we thu
mijt iseo. "Have reuthe of the and of ous: other thu wolt ous
alle schende. " We wortheth alle ibroujt to nojt: bote thu thi tho3t
wende." " Sire Bischop," quath Seint Thomas: " thu niijt as
wel beo stille;
E
50 LIFE AND MARTYRDOM
"Gohunnes; of the lie kepe yno3t: do ecli man liis
wille." The Bischops wende to gadere alle: and here consail
nome, And tho he hadde here forme iset: to the Kinge hi
come.
1000
" Sire," hi seide, " anuyed thu ert: and ous hit oftliink-
eth sore: " For3if ous that ^e ous bereth anhond: and we ne
schulle misdo nomore. " TVel we witeth hit is a wrecche: that schokle oure
chief beo: " Fals he is, and forswore: and that ech man mai iseo. " For he swor to liokle the urthliche oiiur: and hath
ibroke liis oth, " And that we schulle proven wel: ne beo he no3t so
wroth. " Foi'jif ous thi wrathtlie, we the biddeth: and to Rome
we woleth wende, " To bynyme him his bischoprichc: and as a wrecche
him schende. "Forswore we woleth liini provi: sire, bi 30ure
rede." The King bihet hem gret honur: for do thulke dcde. To Seint Thomas, ther as he was: hi wende alle
anon; if^H
Tlie Bischop Ilillari of Cliicliestre: tolde for hem
echon, " Sire," he seide, "oure gostliche fader: thu Avcreher
bifore;
OF THOMAS BEKKT. 51
" Ac for fader nou we forsaketli the: for tliu crt fals
and forswore. " For thu swore him urthlich honur: and nelt him
do non, "Therfore to the court of Rome: we biclipieth hit
echon." Nou, swete lesus, beo his help: whan alle othere were
fon! The King let clipie faste: that he come forth anon. The Eorl Robert of Leicestre: and othere menion, Come after him, and hete him sone: bifore the Kinge
gon. lo--^o
" liOrdUngs," quath Seint Thomas: " ^e witeth wel
echon, " Hou wel ich was w[i]th the Kinge: thej ich have nou
lither iwon. " Archebischop he makede me: to sothe, a3e mi wille: " For icli dradde for unconnynge: mi soule to aspille. " Tho eschte ich tofore al that folc: in whiche manere
hi hit me toke, "The maistrie of holi churche: to wardi and to loke. " He me tok holi churche: in eche manere so freo, " To beo quit of al other court: and mid rijte scholde
so beo. " And whan holi churche is so freo: ynele answerethe
Kinge, " Ne non other of his court: of non urthlich thinge. " Forgoldnepassethnojtinbounte: somocheleode,iwis, " As dignete of preosthod: passetli tlie lewed man
that is. 1032
e2
52 LIFE AND MARTYRDOM
" And his gostliche fader icli am: if he vvolde nyme
3eme; " And hit nere nojt that the sone: his fader scholde
deme. " Therfore ich sigge, at o word: ynele me nothing
take, " To jugement of Kinges court: ac outliche hit for- sake; " And take me alto holi churche: and to non other
dome, " And biclipie tofore 30U alle: to the court of Rome. " Sauf the stat of holi churche: and mi dignete, " That Jesu Crist hit sauvi: whan hit ne mai nojt
thurf me. 1040
" And 30U bischops ich biclipie: to the court of Rome
also, " That je honuryeth more an urthlich king: than 50
God almi5ti do." And so thurf rijt of holi churche: out of this court
gan wcnde, To bringe this cause of holi churche: tofore the Pope
to ende. This holi man out of this court: wel myldeliche gan
gon, That King and alle that with him were: wraththede
him anon, With also gretenoyse, as al the toun: biset were with
here fon; This lioli man liim wendc forth: as stille as eni ston.
OF THOMAS BEKET. 53
Hi ne mi3te makie more cri: tlie3 al the toun were
afure, Than hi dude upe this holi man: that reuthehit was to
hure. 1030
Nou God beo this lioli manes help: for he liadde ther
lute rewe; For in al his lyf he hadde: gode dawes fewe. Forth him wende Seint Thomas: as him uotliing ue
rojte: For more me schende lesu Crist: tho me him to dethe
brojte. He weith upe his palefrai: and to Ixis inne wende so: Unethe he mijte mid his hond: this threo thinges do, Blesci that folc, and here his croice: and his bridel
wisse. The simple folc oru him aboute: with joje ynou and
blisse. For hi wende wel he hadde ibeo: at court faste ynome: Hi herede moche lesu Crist: that he mijte among hem
come.
1060
To his in, to Seint Andreues: he suede him faste ynouy, Alle the pore men witli him: to the mete he drouj; And seide, " Cometh forth mid me: for minefreondje
beoth: "Inabbe nou other freond than jou: of alle men 36
seoth." He let hem fede echone wel: ful his hous nej, And him silve the gladdere was: that he ham isej. As Seint Thomas sat atle mete: thej he no wille
nadde,
54 LIFE AND MARTYRDOM
This word that oureLouerd het: his redere biforehim
radde: — '' If me pursueth 30U in o toiin: into another 30 fleo." This holi man tliojte hi him: this word mijte wel beo: And tliat hit was Godes wille: into another toun
to gon, 1071
Anon as the godspel saitli: to fleo alle his fon. The hardiere he was tho: of londe forto wende, AYhan he mi5t ascapie wel: that God wolde the tyme
sendc. Tho hit was toward eve: tuei serjantz ther come frani
the Kinge, And sore wepinge warnede him that me wokle: to
stronge dethe him bringe. For the Kinges men hadde iswore: tliurf liestc of the
Kinge, Whar so lii mi3te fjnde him: to stronge dethe him
bringe. Seint Thomas thojte another: he let makie his bed
ani3t, In the he5e churche: bituene tuei wevedes ri3t. lo^^ Tho other men were alle aslepe: and noman him
nas ne3. He ros him up and bihuld: on than ymage anlie3. He ful adoun before the weved : and on oure Louerd
gan crie; And seide furst the set samcs: and siththe the letanye. And wepinge ech halewe bad: his hel}) forto beo, And at och halwc ui) aros: and sat siththe adouu
akneo.
OF THOMAS BEKET. 55
Nou Crist in lieveiie beo his help: for neode he hadde
therto ynouj ! For him was to cominge sorwe ynouj: as 36 schulle
ihure with WOU5. Tho he hadde ido his priere: stilliche he gan gon, Alute bifore the cockes crowe: out of the churche anon; And wende him out of Engelonde: that noman with
him nas, 1091
Bote o frere of Sjmpringham: that wel privei with
him was. This gode man flej al Engelond: for holi churche rijte. For al his wo ne 3af he no3t: if he hit amende my3te. The ni5t that fram Norhamptone: Seint Thomas thane
wei nom, To on of his clerkes: in avisioun ther com A cler Yoiz, that seide: of the sauter this:* — '• As hit were a sparewe: oure soule ibro3t is " Out of the hunteres bonde: and the bond is undo, " And al defouled, and we: beoth delyvred so." HOO Of wham was this avisioun: bote of Seint Thomas, That out of the bendes of his fon: tho delyvred was? That word com of Seint Thomas: to the Kinge sone: The he3e men nome therof red: what hem were to
done. The King and al his Baronie: and his Bischops
echon,
* " Anima nostra sicut passer erepta est de laqueo venantium. Laqucus contritus est et uos libcrati sumus." — f Psalm cxxiv.) This Latin quotation is in the margin of the Ilarleiau MS.
56 LIFE AND MARTYRDOM
That au3te with Seint Thomas beo: and were mest
his fou, To his consail everechone: assentede attan ende, That the King scholde of his hejiste men: to the
court of Rome sende, A5en him whan he thider com: and the Pope do
understonde, That he is fals and forswore: and desturbour of the
londe 1110
And to do this grete neode: the wiseste men forth nome, And that the King were al in pees: forte he aje come. The Archebischop of Everwjk: and the Bischop of
Excestre, To Rome wende for thisse neode: and the Bischop of
Cicestre. The Bischop ek of Londone: and of Wircestre also, And grete Eorles and Barouns: and clerkes therto, To here witnisse of this falshede: whan hi to courte
come. Noble jiftes and gewels: mid hem also hi nome: For therwith me mai ofte at court: the ri3te bringe to
W0U3. 11''-'
Nou Crist helpe this pore man: for he was pore ynouj! None 3iftes he nadde to 5yve: to holde up his ri3te: Fram Norhamptone bar he 3eode: for holi churchc to
fi5te. Fram Seint Andreues in Norhamptone: this holi man
forth wende, AN'ith a frere of Sinipriughum: as oure Loucrd the
grace sende.
OF THOMAS BEKET. 57
Vyf and tuenti mile he wende: to the toiin of Grii[nt]-
ham, Er he stiiite meni stede: with the frere of Simpringham. Al northward he drouj him forth: and framward the
see, That the Kinges men ne founde him nojt: to nyme ne
to sle. Siththe he wende fram Gra[nt3ham: fyve and tuenti
myle also, 112'J
To the cite of Lincolne: er he wolde him to reste do. The morwe upe Seint Lukes dai: Tuesdai hit was tho, He departede fram the Kinges court: in suche sorwe
and wo. Thane Wendesdai ani3t: out of the toun he nom; Sone amorwe thane Thursdai: to Lincolne he com. At a walkeres hous: his in he nom there; Alle gate he nom his wei: hi nijte that he awaited nei'e. In watere he dude him at Lincolne: er God thane dai
sende; And thane Fridai fourti myle: al bi water he wende, To an hermitage of Simpringham: that amidde the
watere is: Ther he levede hardiliche: threo dayes, iwis. I'^^o
To Seint Botolf siththe he wende: that thanncs was
ten myle; And ther he dude him eft in watere: and com, in a
lute while, To the hous of Haverolt: that of Simpringham ek is. The frere him ladde bi thulke hous: the sikerer to beo,
iwis.
58 LIFE AND MARTYRDOM
Therhanne he wende to Eystrie: his owe manerc mid
rijte, The Archebischop of Canterbury: if he were of mijte; That was nej the see ynouj: he abed wel there; Lokede forto passi: whan best tjme wei'e. Sovenijt he bilevede ther: forto Alle .Soulen day, In chambre rijt bi the churche: dai and nijt he lay; That noman ne schokle him under3ete: ne war of him
beo. 1151
Thurf the churche wal he makede an hoi: the sacringe
forto seo; And forto hure ther his masse: that hi, that to churche
come, Nuste nojt that he was so ne5: ne toke therof no gome. Such an anker he was bicome: Louerd, that him
was wo, Archebischop of Canterbury: that ne therste among
none men go! An Alle Soulen dai, thane Tuesdai: er God thane
dai sende. He bitok God al holi churche: and into the see wende. Hi rcwe forth al thane dai: forte ajen theveninge, A myle hi aryvede: fram the havene of Graveninge. Oye me clipeth the stede: as he com to londe, noi In the lond of Flandres: as ich understonde. Forth he moste, this holi man: hors nadde he non; For al his bischopriche: afote he moste gon. And that noman him ne knewe: thabit of frere he
nom. And as a frerc lurlh he 5Code: thu he tu Fhiiidrcs com.
OF THOMAS BEKET. 59
Blak was his cope above: his cartel whit Wanket;
Upe his rug his cope he bar: foi'to go the bet.
The reyn was gret and swithe strong: the wei was
deope ynouj: So weri was this holi man: that unethe his Ijmes he
drouj. 1170
So weri lie was of the wei: and of the see bifore, That he sat adouu and ne mijte no fur: bote he were
ibore. Tho 5eode forth on of his men: and hurede him a
mure, For an Englisch peni, with an halter: this holi man
to bere. This holi man his clothes nom: and upe this mure
hem caste, And werth upe above his clothes: and rod forth wei
faste, A! weilawai! such a man: moche is Godes mijte! So febliche vvende over lond: for uvele was hit his
rijte. Uvele bicom him to gon afote: other upe a suchebest
to ride. 117»
Holi churche he aboute dure: that me tijth on wide. With this haltereupe this mure: forth rod this holi man. As a frei'e, and let him clipen: frere Cristian. For he nolde lie nojt: Cristene he was; And he was adrad to beon iknowe: if me clipede him
Thomas. At a god manes hous: his in a nijt he nom. He sat atte hordes ende: as him nojt wei bicom;
60 LIFE AND MARTYRDOM
And his men sete alle withinne: as he the loweste were: The oste nom wel gode jeme: hou hi hem alle here. He nom jeme of this holi man: atte hordes ende, Hou mylde he was atte boi'de: and curteysand hende. Hou curteisliche he delde his mete: to hem that tofore
him stode, l''*l
And hou lute him silf he at: mid wel simple mode. His lymes also he bihuld: hou gent hi were and freo; Ilonden faire, with longe fyngres: fairere ne mijte
none beo. His face long and brod also: his frount large ynouj; And bifore alle thothere evere to him: his hurte mest
drouj. Of tharchebiscliop of Cantex'bury: he gan him under-
stonde, That hit was couth into al that lond: that he Avas
iwend of londe. His hurte him jaf that hit was he: in gret studie he
was ibro3t; He rounede in his wyves ere: and tolde hire al his
th05t. 1300
His wyf, after thulke tyme: that sothe also tho5te, Heo scrvede this huli man: and of deyntcs him brojte. Applen, peres, and notes ek: heo fondede in cche
manere, Among alle this other men: to gladie this seli frere. Heo bilevede to servi othere: and upe him was allure
thojt ; Seint Thomas hit iinder5et: and nc paide him with
nojt.
OF THOMAS BEKET. 61
So that he bihuld aboute: anon after soper. Wei myldeliche he bad his hoste: forto com him ner, And to sitte bi him adoun: and solaci him astounde. " Sire, merci!"quath this other: "ich wole sitte upe the
grounde." ^'^"^
He sat adoun at his fet: Seint Thomas him bad arise: "Certes, sire," quath this other: yneschal in none
wise. "Nolde God that ich bi the sete: Louerd! ihered
thu beo, " That thu mostest in myne house come: and ich thane
dai iseo." " Lute deynt^," quath Seint Thomas: " of such a pore
man, " A seli frere as ich am: ihote Cristian." "Sire, thin ore," quath this other: "welich under-
stonde, " Archebischop thu ert of Canterbure: iwend out of
Engelonde." " Whi saistou so?" quath this other: "thu hast selde
isejc, " Tharchebischop of Canterbury: in suche manere
ride bi weye." l^^o
"Sire," quath this other, "thu hit ert: as me saith
mi thojt, " Ich bidde the for the love of God: ne forsak hit a3e
me no5t." Seint Thomas him bithojte: that other he moste lie. Other beo iknowe that he hit was: so thotlier on him
gan crie.
62 LIFE AND MARTYRDOM
Atte laste he was iknowe: ac amorwe he nom
His hoste, and bad that he ne wreide him nojt: er he
afur wei com. He wende him forth wel er dai: in wel foule weye; Tuelf myle he jeode grete y nouj : to a grei abbey e, That me clipeth Clermareys: of greye monekes, iwis, That biside the castel: of Seint Omer is. 1230
To thabbey of Seint Bertin: frani thanne he wende, And ther he levede til oure Louerd: other tithinge
him seude. The Bischops of Engelonde: and the Barouns also, Toward the court of Rome wende: her erande for to do. To the King of France hi wende: and lettres with
hem here, Fram the King of Engelonde: that thus an Englisch
were : — " To his louerd, thurf Godes grace: Sire Lowes the
King, " Henri King of Engelonde: sent love and greting. " Thomas that Archebischop was: of Canterbure her-
bifore, " Out of mi lond is awend: as traytour and forswore. *' Thei'fore, as myn urlich louerd: ich biddc the, bi mi
sonde, 1211
" That thu ne suffri no5t that he bco: rcceitcd in tlii
londe." The this King this bone ihurde: awhile in tho3te he
stod; "Certes,"he hem seide, "me thiii3th: tliis bone nis
nojt god.
OF THOMAS BEKET. 63
*' So strong theof nis non in Engelond: if lie into
France come, " That he ne mi3te leve ther: as me si3tli ilome. " Nere he iproved so strong theof: other hackle that
lond forswore, " Ic ne mi5te do hit for no thing: the3 he him hadde
ther misbore. '* And whatlokere scholde such an he3 man: ne come
he no3t so sone, " And nother ich ne he habbeth: with oure bischops to
done. 1250
"For myne bischops with holi churche: ich lete here
wille do, " And fairere were the King, me thin3th: lete him
iworthe so, " Than entremitti of holi churche: hereri3tesfortospille, " And loki the pees of the lond: me thin3th he doth
his wille." Ne mi3te this he3e men: non other word afonge; So that hi Avende forth here wei: tho hi hadde abide
longe. Maister Herbad of Bozam: and otliere siththe wende, To the King of France: as Seint Thomas hem sende; And tolde the King of al the wo: that Seint Thomas
hadde with WOU3. The King tho he hurde this: wep and makede deol
ynou3; 1^60
And tolde al hou the Kinges men: were at himbifore, And which answere he hem 5af: here wei hi hadde
forlore.
64- LIFE AND MARTYRDOM
This gode man with joye 7110113: here leve of lilm nome, And fram him myldeliche wende: to the court of
Rome. For ther nere hi 005! wolcome: for the schame bifore, And the desdandre of Seint Thomas: that he was fals
and forswore. Ac natheles grace hi hadde: that hi to the Pop come
mi3te. Him silve hi tokle in priveite: al Seint Thomas wo with
luirijte ; Of the statutz of Clarendone: hou hi forth fiirst come; Hou he was ibro5t to Noramptone: tofore the King to
done; 1270
Hou he wende out of Engelonde: in which miseise
and wo; And hou he changede his name: the sikerer forto go. The Pope bigan to sikc sore: mid wel dreori tli05t, The teres urne out of his ejcn: he ne mijte hem werne
nojt. He thonkede God that such prehit: under him mijte
beo, So stedfifast to holi churchc: and that he mi3tc thane
dai iseo. Amoi'we come the Bischops: and tlic llarouns also, To procuri him al the wele: tliat hi mi5te do. Tofore the Pope as he sat: myldeliche hi come, And bifore the Cardinals: atte curt of TJome. The Bischop of Londonc: that evcre litlier was, Bigan furst to telle his tale: a3e Seint Thomas. I'^so He stod up tofore al the court: " Beau pcre," he scdc,
OF THOMAS BEKET. 65
" To the we come to niene ous: of wrecchede that we
doth lede, " Oure ri5t6s up to holde: alle that gode beoth, "And foies bringe of folie: whan we eni iseoth. "A distance ther is ispronge: li3tliche in Engelonde, " That desturbeth al that lond: with unri3t, ich under-
stonde. *' Tharchebischop of Canterbure: al ajen oure wille, " A folie bigan in Engelonde: al holi churche to spille: " To bynyme the Kinges franchise: and his ri3tes also; " Ac he ne rai3te ous make for nothing: consenti therto. " Therfore for wraththe siththe: for we nolde his
wille do, 1291
" Upe ous he caste his owe gult: and upe the King
also; " And atte laste, as hit were: the lond forto ablende, " That no man him stren3the dude: of lond he gan
wende. "For men that thatsothenuste: scholde understonde, " That the King him dude unri3t: and di-of him out
of londe." Tho he hadde his tale itold: and ymaked al his wise, He sat adoun and the Bischop: of Cicestre gan arise. "Beau pere," he seide to the Pope: "me thin3th hit
faith to the, "To desturbi thing that falleth: to hai-m of commu-
neaute; 1300
"That o man ne beo isuffred no5t: go forth with his
wille,
F
66 LTFE AND MARTYRDOM
" Tobringe al the lond to ^cliindisse: and lioli cliurclie
to spille. '' Tliathatlioure Archebiscliop iwro3t: that is isene, iwis, " Whan ech man of the lond: faste a5en him is." The Archebischop of Everwyk: tho he his tyme ise5, Aros up and gan to telle: his tale, al anhe3. "Sire," he seide, "no man ne knoweth: so wel as
ich do, " Tharchebischop of Canterbure: and tharchebischop-
riche also. "The Archebischop is wilful: and whan he is alles
ibrojt "In a wil that is lute worth: he nele bileve hit nojt. " For man ne schal for nothing: bringe him out of his
th03t: 1311
" In suche fol wille is he nou: that we habbeth deore
abo3t. " Li3tliche therinne he com: and he nele bileve
nevere mo, "Bote 5e pulte 30ui'e bond therto: to briuge ous out
of wo." " Sire, sire," quath the Bischop: of Excestre tho, "This cas 30 mote amendi: hou so hit evere go. " If 36 ne loeveth no3t that sothe: as me doth 30U to
understonde, " Send with ous, fot with fot: a legat into Engelonde, " To enqueri that sothe ther: and let him theraftcr
wirche. " For certes, bote 30 other thenche: 3e schendeth holi
churche." 132^'
OF THOMAS BEKET. 67
Tho ai'os up the Eorl of Ai-oudel : man of gret
dignete, "Sire," he seide, "for Godes love: astounde herkne
to me. " We lewede men that here beoth: ne cunne Latyn
non. "Ne nothing nabbeth understonde: that ^e habbeth
itold echon. " Ac in langdge that we cunne: such men as we beoth, " (Heje Barouns and noble Knyjtes: that je bifor 30U
iseoth,) " Telle ich wole bifore 30U alle: whi we beoth hider
iwend, "Thurf mi louerd the Kinges heste: that ous hath
isend. " Nojt that we wraththi eni man: other eni man sigge
amis, " And nameliche oure aire hevede: that oure chief is, " To wham al the wordle aboueth: (God holde him his
mijte,) 1331
" That aujte ech man jurne bidde: to holde ech man
to rijte. " Ac suche kny3tes as we beoth: hider we beoth iwend; " Oure louerd the King of Engelonde: hider ous hav-
eth isend, " To schewe furst the reverence: and the grete love
also, " That he hath evere to 30U ibore: and evere thenjth
to do;
f2
68 LIFE AND MARTYRDOM
" And that ^e sende him word bi ous: as 50 seoth ous
stonde, " Bischopes, Eorles, and Barouns: the he5iste of his
londe. " If eni hejere hadde ibeo: hider he hadde iwend, "As to so he3 curt as this is: hider ous he hath
isend, 1340
" To schewi furst in his name: as wide as the wordle is, " So true prince nis to Rome: ne that so moche 30U
loveth, iwis; " Ne so moche honureth holi churche: and evere
hath ido. " Tharchebischop of Canterbure: is noble man also. " That if o manere of him: as ich understonde, " Ther nere lend of Cristendom: ajen Engelonde, " Ne holi churche so wel: ischuld from eche WOU5, "Under swithe noble prince: and prelat god ynouj. " Ac the Archebischop Thomas: hath a lute wille, " To apeiri moche hisgodnisse: and thatlond then5[th]
aspille. 135^
" His wille is such, that whan he is: icome in fol
tho5t, " He nele thurf consail ne thurf red: therof beo ibro5t. "In suche folic he is icome nouthe: (oure Loucrdhis
thojt wende!) " Bote me mowe him therof bringe: that lond he wole
aschende. "Therfore mi louerd the King 50U bit: that ^e with
ous sende, "A legat to Engelonde: to enquere therof tlian ende.
OF THOMAS BEKET. 69
" Other certes he is upe the poynte: al that lond to
spille, " Bote 3e chasti him thurf lawe: and bynyme his fole
wille." Ofit' alle the clerk es that ther sete: non of hem ther
nas, That ne preisede moche this he3e man: for he so rena-
ble was. 1360
" Lordlings," quath the Pope: " 30 iseoth wel ynouj, " Tliat 30 to tharchebischop telleth: beo hit ri3t other
WOU3. " Ac we ne mowe no dom 3yve: both he himsilf her
were, "Ne juggi no man bihynde him: for no ri3t hit nere." " Sire," quath th[e] Eorl of Arondel: "36 mote bet
imderstonde: " A certeyn dai ous is iset: to come to Engelonde; " And thane dai nethore we no3t breke: for oure
louerd the Kinge; " Therfore 3e mote ous grace do: somdel of thisse
thinge. " We biddeth 30U, if hit is 30ure wille: a legat with
ous sende, " And tharchebischop bote also: to Engelonde wende " And as the legat ther enquereth: therafter he mai
do." 1371
"Certes, beau frere," quath the Pope: '• ynele no3t
take on so. " Inot whan tharchebischop cometh: ne what he wole
forth drawe;
70 LIFE AND MARTYRDOM
" And to deme a man bihynden him: thu wost hit nere
no hiwe." " Certes, sire," quath this other: "we nethore abide
no3t." "Deperdeus," quath the Pope: "doth as 56 habbeth
itho3t." This othere were wroth ynou: wel faire here leve
hi nome, And wende hem forth in grete wraththe: and to En-
gelonde come. Seint Thomas was tho in Flandres. in huding, as
hit were, In the hous of Seint Bertin: for he him abussede
there. 1380
Atte laste he aros bi nyjte: and out of Flandres wende, Al priveiliche into France: as God the grace sende. The King of France that tho was: Lewis, god and
hende, Hurde telle of this gode man: he let after him sende. Tho [t]hisholi man to him com: gret joje he gan make; He het him upon his lond: ynouj of his take, To spene, to him and alle his: whar so he evere come. Nolde Seint Thomas abide nojt: er he com to Rome. The King him tok spense ynouj: to him and alle his, And sende with him god condut: to brings him ther,
iwis. 1390
Tho this gode man to Rom6 com; he was faire
undei'fonge; And somdel the Pope was anuyed: that he abod so
longe.
OF THOMAS BEKET. 71
Me acusecle him of the trespas: that the Bischops
tokle there, And bad him answere for his stat: and aleggi for him
hou hit were. Seint Thomas wolde up arise: me bad him sitte
adoun; Biside the Pope he sat; and seide his reisoun. " Sire," he seide, " ich am iset: the5 ich unworthi beo, " To wardi the churche of Canterbury: as 36 mowe
iseo. "And tliej ich ne beo nojt worthi: such fol nam
ynojt, " That the King scholde thurf me: in wraththe beon ibrojt. 1^00
" For if ich wolde his wille do: and paye him of alle
thinge, " Ine ne scholde for no3t: in such contek him bringe; " He me wolde lovie ynou}: and al his lond, iwis, " Scholde at mi wille beo: and alle thing that is his. " Ac mi professioun ich habbe: to Jesu Crist ido; " And the biheste that ich habbe ymaked: ne sufTreth
me nojt so. " And if ich wolde bileve: ynadde none neode, " To no man to go ous bituene : myn erande forto
beode. " Ac the churche of Canterbure: was iwoned to
schyne wide, " And beo as the sonne among alle othere: of the west side. ^410
" The Sonne that was so brijt: deork heo is bicome;
72 LIFE AND MARTYRDOM
"Blode clouden and stronge ynou: hire lijt liire liab-
beth binome. " Overcast lieo is witli the clouden: that lijt ne jifth
heo non; "Whar thurf the churchen of Engglonde: idurked
beoth echon. " For a cloude hire had overcast: that heo ne mai no3t
li5te: "The King that scholde hii'e governy: bynymeth al
hire rijte. "Ich that scholde hire wardeyn beo: thera3en ich
mot fijte, " And stonde aje and withsigge hire wrong: bi al myne
mijte. " For the3 ich hadde athousend lyves: (as ynabbe bote
on,) " Rathere than ich vvolde tholie: 5yve ich hem wolde
echon. 1420
" The custumes aje holi churehe: that the King hath
forth ibrojt, " Her 5e mowe hem nou ihure: if hi bcoth to granti
ojt." He gan hem rede the lithere lawes: as he hem hadde
ivvrite; He wep that the teres urne adoun: that deole hit was
to wite. Tho the Pope and his Cardinals: that seje liiin wepe
so sore, And ihurde ck this litliere luwes: hi ne niijtc forbere
nomore;
OF THOMAS BEKET. 73
And wope also pitousliche: and herede God also, That hi mi3te finde such a prelat: over holi ciiurche ido, That huld hire so wel to ri3te: and ne sufFrede ne
■WOU3 ; And thonkede God of such a man: andhonurede him
ynou3. 1430
The Pope het his clerkes alle: thurf al Cristendom, Withsigge suche lithere lawes: whar so eni of hem
com ; And that hi nere isufFred nowhar: hou so hi come to
ende, And that hi deide rathere therfore; than holi churche
lete schende, Tho spac him eft Seint Thomas: we]3inge wel sore, " Inabbe no3t so moche wo: that me nere worthe more. "For thurf stren3the of urthlich man: in such poer
am ich ido, " Ac ich douti a3en Godes wille: that ich unworthibeo
therto. " Therfore God, for ri5te wreche: uvel ending me doth
sende; "Ac ich douti for mi wrecche gult: that wors schal
beo the ende, i^^o
" For mi synne and mi unmijte: that ynemai hire
wardi no3t. " Therfore, that holi churche: ne beo to grounde ibro3t, " Ich 3yve 30U up mi bischopriche: another 3e mote
ther do, " That hit mowe wardi bet: for unworthi ich am
therto."
74 LIFE AND MARTYRDOM
His ring he nom and tok the Pope: and 5uld up the
bischopriche. The Pope wel deolfulliche: and wel myldehche gan
siche. Therof conseillede al the coui-t: what the beste red were, To lete him leve therchebischopriche: other to do
another there. " Me thin3th," quath a Cardinal: " in such cas as this
man is, " Betere hit were to do another: in his stede, iwisji^^o " Forto paye bet the King: and sucli cas mi5te bifalle, " That the King wolde bileve and aswagi: the lithere
lawes alle. ' For betere hit were, in faire manere: ho so hit mi3te,
to ende bringe, " Than contek holde in suchc lond: and nameliche ae
the Kinge. " And me mi5te purveye the gode man: as god as
that is. " Tnot what conseil 50 woUeth rede: ich wole rede this." The seide another Cardinal: "yne rede nojtso, iwis; "For that wolde 3yve men ensamplc: aldai to do
amis. "For whan a king with a bischop: were wroth of eni
thinge, " Anon to bringe him adoun: uvele lawes wolde bringe; " And so were holi churche then: that levedi scholde
beo. itoi
" Therfore this consail (me thinjth) is feble: a bett[e]re
me mai iseo."
OF THOMAS BEKET. 75
The Pop nom tho Seint Thomas: and tok him aje
the ring, To beo Archebischop foi'th: stable thurf alle thing; Stedefast to holde up: holi churche rijte, And he him Avolde ajen ech man: helpe bi his mijte; And he ne schokle no3t the jut: to Engelonde wende, Ac abide betere grace; if God wolde sende. To thabbei of Pontenay: to sojourni there, He sente this holi man: forte hit betere were. 1470 With lutel folc, and lutel ese: ther he gan to leve; For he nadde silver non to spene: bote as hi him
3eve. His men he broujte in servise: hei'e mete to wynng
there, Him silve he was alone ney. he/y man thej he were. Lyf he werede hard jnouy. he werede harde here, Schurte and brech hard ynouj: hardere non nere. The straples were istreynd harde ynouj: with knottes
also. The schurte tilde anon to his thies: the brech to his to. The knotten wode in his flesche: aboute in eche side: "Wei unese was his brech: aboute for to ride. 1^80
Harde mijte he ligge adoun: and harde sitte also. Louerd! deore aboujte he hevene: wel aujte he come
therto ! The Bischops of Engelonde: that ajen him were
at Rome, And Eorles and othere ek: tho hi to Engelond come. Hi tolde the King al the cas: hou hi hadde isped. 8o sori and wroth the King was: that he was ncj awed.
76 LIFE AND MARTYRDOM
"Alias," he seide, " tliulke traitoure: that ich habbe
forth ibrojt! "That he me schal such schamfi do: ynemaihit tholie
nojt. "Whan he fli3th out of londe: that yneraai to him
come, "Ich wole me awreke of his kyn: hi schulle abugge
some." 1490
He let siche out al clene his freond: and his kyn echon, And drof hem out of Engelond: that hi ne bilevede
n05t on; Sik ne feble, 3ung ne old: ne wymmen mid chylde, Ne chyldrene that sokinge were: moche he was un-
mylde. In armes the moder bar the child; in here wombe
some: Ther hadde the King (me thin5th): a feble wreche
ynome. Ihauled hi were, in grete meseise: out of the lond,
alias! Ech god man haddc reuthe of hem: that iliurde of
that cas. Among hem hi seide stilleliche: that he lither King
was. More schrewede the King bitho3te: 5ut of Seint
Thomas. i-'500
The men that he drof of londe: were hem leof other
loth, He make hem swerie upon a boc: ech after other, an
othj
OF THOMAS BEKET. 77
That hi ne scholde in none stede: leve, none stounde, Er hi come to Seint Tbomas: ther as hi him founde, And tolde him hou hi were: out of londe ibrojt, To bringe liim more in sorewe: if hi mijte turne his
thojt. 3ut he broujte a lither dede more: upe Seint Thomas; He let bote, thurf al the lond: as wide as his poer was, Tliat no man ne scholde for him bidde: in cburche ne
elleswhare; As me for tharchebischop doth: and ido hath jare.l^io Louerd! moche was the schame tho: that holi church
bitidde, Whan heo ne moste for hire heved: among other men
bidde! That folc of Seint Thomas freond: thicke aboute
him drou3, Aldai that were iflemmid for him: in meseise and sorwe
ynou3; And wope and cride dulfulliche: and tolde him al that
cas, Hou lii were fram him dryve: and which here sorwe
was. Seint Thomas bihuld hem dulfulliche: and gan to sike
sore; Natheles he makede hem fair semblant: to conforti
hem the more; And sende this word to gladi hem: that men uude[r]-
stondeth longe, ^^^^
" Eche lond," he seide: "is contray to the stronge. "As ho saith, thej 56 beo: in strange contray ibro3t,
78 LIFE AND MARTYRDOM
" If 36 beoth strong in Godes lawe: hit ne sclial 50U
grevi nojt." Alle the heje men of the lond: that ihuvde that cas, Acursede the King, and seide: that he lither was. This seli men aboute him nome: for love of Seint
Thomas, And fonde hem sustenance ynou3: in meseise non tlier
nas. Tho the tithinge to the King: of Engelonde com,' That this men were undei-fonge: gret deol to him he
nom. "Certes," he seide, "whan ynemai: hishurte sobuye, "In more meseise- ich wole him bringe: that his lyf
him schal anuye." t530
Greye monekgs of Cisteaus: fram 3ei*e to 3ere, A chapitle makede general: of Abbotes that ther were; For monekes of ech grei abbei: to this chapitle come, Withinne a terme, as3ut doth: thurfout al Cristendome. Tho the chapitle plener was: the Kyng thider sende. To thabbotes plenerliclie: that to the chapitle wende; And sende him word that liim tho3te: wonder gret
ynou5. That Id wolde him so moche misdo: uncundeliche and
WOU3, To susteyne his withere wyne: among hem, and hisfo. In thehous of Ponteney: that brou3te him in such wo; And bote hi liim levede: and susteynede him nomore, Alle the greye hous of Engelonde: ofthenche scholde
sore: lii2
For if hi susteynede his fo: no wonder hit nere,
OF THOMAS BEKET. 79
The3 he wreke him of thulke hous: that in his lond
were. Tho this lettres to Sisteaus: among this Abbotes come, Of the thretinge hi doutede sore: and gret consail
nome; So that hi bede Seint Thomas: his beste forto do; For hi ne therste, aje the Kinges wille: nomore holde
him so. Tho Seint Thomas this ihurde: he gan to sike sore: He bad Jesus him helpe tho: and cride him milce
and ore. 1550
" Lordlings," he seide, "that me habbeth: susteyned
meni o dai, "In mi grete neode, Jesu Crist: hit 5ulde; ynemai. " The King that threteth 30U so faste: if ^e me hold-
eth longe. "If Crist wole, je ne schulle for me: nevere harm
afonge. " Whar so ich evere an urthe beo : fram 30U I wole
wende, " That je ne beo for me apeired: oure Louerd his
grace me sende! "For ich mai 3ut mi mete bidde: ynara n03t to god
therto: " God that fedeth the wylde best: me mai fede also. "Ac hou hit evere bi me bifalle: God, if hit is thi
wille, " Hold up the ri3t of holi churche: that heo fulliche
ne spille!" 1560
80 LIFE AND MARTYRDOM
As this holi man in thojte stod: whoder he mi3te
wende, The King of France, that was so god: sone gan his
word sende, That he hilevede in alhis lond: whar so his hurte best
drouj, Cheose him silve, and lie wolde: him sende spounse
ynouj. Tlier hit soth whan a man: in mest sorwe is and
teone, Thanne is oure Louerdes help wel ney. as hit tho isene. This holi man liis leve nom: wel myldeliche and
softe, And sore wepinge wende forth: and 30xede and si5te
ofte. The Abbot of Pontenay: somdel forth him brou3te; He axede of him whi he were: in so deolful thojte. " Ich wole sigge," quath Seint Thomas: "whi ieh
carie so, 15"1
" That thu ne telle non fore: er myn endedai beo ido. " Ich am siker that ich schal: [deye] in martirdom: " For to ni5t in mi sleping: a wonder meting me com. "In the churche of Canterbure: me tho5te ich stod,
iwis, " And strivede for holi churche: ajen the King and his. " Tho come ther four kni5tes: and smyte me upe the
croune, " Ech after other, that mi brayn: schaddc on the
grounde adoune. " For me ich thonki Jesu Crist: that ich schal deye so;
OF THOMAS BEKET. 81
" Ac for mi meyne ich sike sore: that ynot what ich
schal do." 1580
This holi man him wende forth: with care and deol
bi weye, Forte he com to Seneouns: tuelf myle fram Ponteneye. Ther he levede in sojourn: as longe as he wokle: The King him fond to spene ynou}: of silver and of
golde. This holi man levede ther: in pays and rest ynou3; Ac evere he carede for holi churche: that me dude so
W0U3, And sende to the King of Engelond: that he lete beo
stille, That he ne werrede nojt holi churche: if hit were his
wille. Siththe the King of Engelond: as his wille him nom, Passede the see, as God hit wolde: and into France com. The King of France was aboute: (if God wold the
grace sende,) 1591
To acordi him and Seint Thomas: if he hit mi3te
bringe to ende; So that hi were togadere ibrojt: to a dai that hi sette. Seint Thomas com tofore the King: and as his louerd
him grette; And to his fet ful adoun: and wep and cride sore, "Have reuthe," he seide, "of holi churche: and ne
werre hire nomore, " And ich wole do al thi wille; as ich seide er, bi mi
mi3te, ^'Saf mi Louerdes honur: and holi churche ri3te."
G
82 LIFE AND MARTYRDOM
The King makecle him wroth ynouj for that worth; as
he hadde ofte ibeo, " Nou 36 mowe," he seide, " echone: his falshede iseo. " For ynescholde, upe this word, do: nothing ajen his
wille, 1601
" That he ne scholde sigge that ich wolde: holi churche
aspille; "And that ich were ajen Godes wille: and in suche
man re he mijte, " The lond desturbi, and bynyme: mi franchise and
mi rijte. " Gode bischops ther habbeth ibeo: bifore, }e wite,
iwis: " That 5e seo mi trunisse: and that the wrong is al his. " As the wyseste and the beste bischops: that bifore
s him were, " A3en the meste fol King: bifore me hem here, " Do he so a3e me: and ich paye me wel ynou3; " And if he is a3e this forme: me thin3th he have3 WOU3. " Other him thin3th, of bischops: so wys as he non nas; " Other he halth me the meste wrecche: that evere
bifore this was." iei2
Tho seide the King of France: and all that hurde this, " Certes thu bcodest him love ynou: the wrong is al
his." Seint Thomas stod longe in tho3tc: and gan to sike
sore, " The3 ich have ibeo in anuy: 5ut nie is to come more. " If the archebischops bifore me: haddo ido here mi3te, "Hit nadde ibeo no neod nou: to contecki ne to fi5tc.
OF THOMAS BEKET. 83
"For er this, hi were stable ynou3: bi gode manes
sijte, " And custumes ne beoth to holde nojt: if hi beoth aje rijte. 1620
" And for the bischopes were to nesche: bifore me, as
ich hit fynde, " Here folie ich mot nou abigge: other hit worth bi-
hynde. " Ich wot wel ther habbeth ibeo bifore: custumes in
Engelonde, "Ac ajen rijte hi beoth: as ich understonde. " The3 hi longe isuffred beo: and to custumes idrawe, " Ther ne mai no man to sothe sigge; that hit beo rijt
ne lawe. "For oure Louerd loveth soth and rijtnisse: and uvele
custumes rijt nojt, iwis; " And that he scheweth bi a word: that in the god-
spel is: "For oure Louerd him silf him eveneth: to sothnisse
there, " Ac he ne eveneth him nowhar to custumes: for aje
rijt hit were. 1630
" Therfore me thinjth that hit is rijt: that we to soth- nisse drawe, "And uvele custumes desturbi: that beoth aje lawe. " Therfore yuele none custumes: suffri, bi mi mijte, " That ajen sothnisse beoth: and holi churche rijte. " Her me mai iseo that none uvele lawes: no god man
ne schal afonge, " Ac desturbi bi al his mi5te: thej hi beo holde longe.
g2
84 LIFE AND MARTYRDOM
" For he that susteneth uvele lawes: as wel he haveth
the sinne, "Bote if he hem alegge, if he mai: as he that hem
doth byg[i]nne." Tho the King of France ihurde this: and othere that
ther were, That Seint Thomas this withseide: nothing apaid hi
nere. I'^'O
" Sire Archebischop," he seide: " ich ihure wel thi
wrong; " The King the beodeth love ynouj : the strif is on the
ilong. "That woldest bynyme his lawes: that nere nevere
bynome, " And habbeth ibeo iholde of Kinges: that biforehim
come. " Gret maister thu woldest alonde beo: to moche were
thi poer; " To moche ich have honured the: in mi londe her. "Bote thu grantie the ri5te lawes: bicome ich wole
thi fo; "And if we beoth thine fon bothe: ynot whoder thu
wolt go." Seint Thomas huld him evere in on: the Kinges were
wrothe, And departede fram him so: in grete wrathe bothe. Hi stode and makede noyse ynouj: Seint Thomas he
stod stille: 1651
For rather he wolde thang deth: than here lithcre
wille.
OF THOMAS BEKET. 85
Nou helpe Crist this holi man: for neocle lie haclde tho! Nou bothe the Kinges beoth his fou: whoder mai he
nou go? Iflemmed he was of Engelonde: and of France also: His men makede tho deol ynouj: and nuste tho
what do. And namliche his cunnes men: that for him iflemmed
were. "Louerd," hi seide, "alias alias: that we of lyve
nere! "We beoth idryve of Engelonde: and of France also, " What scholde mox'e sorwe, Louerd: than is icome
ous to?" 1660
Seint Thomas him makede glad jnouy. and gladede
also his men anon. " Beoth stille," he seide, " for 3e makieth: neodles deol
echon. "30ure mete 36 mowe aswynke: as gode men doth
menion. " Beo 36 fram me, hi wolleth beo freondes: that nou
beoth 30ure fon. " For 3e nabbeth hate of noman : bote for me with
WOU3; " And beo 3e fram me iwend: me wole 30U lovie
ynou3." "A sire! merci," quath this othere: "we witeth wel
al this: " For ous silve nis ous no3t: bote for the, iwis. " For we schulle wel oure mete iwinne: ac we nute
what thu schalt do: 1669
86 WFE AND MARTYRDOM
"Bote thu scliulle for hunger deye: louerd, Avliar tbu
scliulle so." " Icli mai biclde mi mete," quath Seiut Thomas: " ynam
to god therto; " God 5ulde alle that eni god: for his love me hathido. "Bituene Burgoigne and Province: as me doth me
understonde, " Gode men beoth and ahnesful: and of cunde londe. " If jnemot in France beo: thider ich wole wende, "And bidde mi mete for Godes love: if he hit me
wole sende. "3ut som god man me mai iseo: if hit is Godes Aville, " And habbe reuthe of me, and helpe me: that meseise
me ne spille." His men for him and for hem silve: raakede deol
ynou5: This gode man among al his wo: confortede hem and
I0U3. 1680
Alias the deol that ther was: that such aman bitidde! That tharchebischop of Canterbure: scholde his mete
bidde! Deore aboujte he holi churche: and holi churche rijte! Wcl au5te ech man her after drede: a5en holi churche
to fi3te. As ech man his leve nom: aboutfi forte wende, And this holi man ek, in his half: whoder God him
wolde sende; Whoder God wolde, to bidde his mete: forte God him
sende betere won;
OF THOMAS BEKET. 87
God sende his grace among hem alle: that sori were
echon. The Kinges messager of France: to Seint Thomas
com gon, And seide that the King him bad: to him come anon. Forth wende this holi man: ac he nuste for whiche
thinge, 1691
He tok him al to Godes wille: and com bifore the
Kinge. The King anon, so he him isej: toward him com gon, And to his fet ful akneo: and cride merci anon. " Blynd ich have ibeo," he seide: " and that ich under-
stonde. '' Al mi lond to thi wille nouth: ich bitake the an
honde. "The while ich am in Francfi Kyng: ich wole th6
fynde jnou3, " For ich understonde that sothe nouthe: that the King
hath the WOU3." To Seint Denys he sende aje: this gode man, iwis, And fond him ther to spene ynou: him and alle his. More he dude his mi3te3ut: and bituene hem sende his
sonde, I'^'^l
To bringe acord bituene hem: and the King of
Engelonde. At Mount Martre in France: this dai was ynome: Thider were the Kinges bothe: and Seint Thomas
icome. The King of France dude his mijte: that hi were at
one ibrou3t
88 LIFE AND MARTYRDOM
Ac tho hi liadde to gaclere ispeke: al hit was for no5t. For the King swor evere his grete oth: that he nolde
acord non, Bote the statutz of Clarendone: iholde were echon. And Seint Thomas swor, bi his day: that he nolde
holde nojt on; Rathere he wolde thane deth afonge: bote ther were
other iwon. I'^o
Mid wraththe hi departede: and nolde non other
do: Seint Thomas gan to sike sore: and inliche wepe also. " Louerd," he seide, "help me nou: for thi swete
wounde ! '• Other holi churche is upe the poynte: to beo ibro3t
to grounde. Maister Herbard of Bozham: that on of his clerkes
was, In priveit^ bituene hem tuo: seide to Seint Thomas; "Sire," (he seide,) "the Mountmartre: this hul
icliped is, " As hi habbeth ispeke of the pays: of holi churche,
iwis; " And as the name saith of this hul: ich douti on mi
ihoyt, " Thurf thi martirdom holi churche: worth to rijte
ibro3t." 1720
This other seide, and sijte sore: "God 5eve hit
were so, "Tliat thurf mi deth lioli churche; were ibrojt therto, " That heo were in rijtc lawe: and in god pees ibro3t:
OF THOMAS BEKET. 89
" And if ich hit mijte bringe therto: of mi detli nere
me no t." A5en midsomer hit biful: that the King gan under-
stonde, And in wraththe of Seint Thomas: ajen wende to
Engelonde, To seisi Henri his sone: with al his kynedom, And to crouni him, andlonge himthojte: er he therto
com. And his consail that his was: mest of alle thinge, Holi churclie and Seint Thomas: in unrijt forto
bringe. 1730
For the archebischopes rijt: of Canterbury hit is, To crouni the King of Engelond: and non other, iwis; And tlie King, in prejudice of him: to bynyme his
rijte, Let other Bischops crouni his sone: and cudde a lutel
nii5te. Four Bischops him crounede: ajen rijt and wone; Tharchebischop of Everwyke: and the Bischop of
Londone; And the Bischop of Salesbury: and of Roucetre also; At Westmynstre, in Seint Peteres churche: this dede
was ido. The fader servede the sone: atte mete, aday; ^739
And witli the reaume seide him: as al that folc isay. This tethinges of this Kinges: to Seint Thomas come; Of the unrijt he sende some: to the Court of Rome. The Pope him sende his lettres a3e : and his buUe, that
me scholde
90 LIFE AND MARTYRDOM
Amansi the King and his consail: which tjmc that he
wolde; And suspendi the Bischops: that such unrijt dude
there; And entrediti al Engelond: forto hit amended were. Seint Thomas athuld the lettre: forte God the grace
sende, That he mijte the dede do: whan he to Engelond
wende. 5ut com Henri King tliolthe: oftsone into France, And the King of France was anuyed: of his destur-
bance; l"50
And wende aboute to makie acord. and bituene sende
faste, So that, as God hit wolde: hi acordede atte laste. A Seinte Mai'ie dai Magdalene: ido was this dede. In a stede, that me clipeth: Traitoures Mede. Also furde thacord: as the mede icliped was: For therafter in a lute stounde: nothing isene hit nas. Moche hi speke in priveite: and in grete love wende
atuo; And Seint Thomas wende that the King: wolde al liis
wille do. Maister Herbard of Bozam: to the King siththe
wende, Upe foreward that hi hadde: as Seint Thomas him
sende; ^'co
And bad him bote 3ulde a5e: as furfortli as he mijte, That his ballifs in his bischopriche: nome mid unri3te. " 3t'," quath he, " wolde he so? 5ut he schal abide.
OF THOMAS BEKET. 91
" Icli wole furst loke hou he wole: him here in other
side. "Peraventure he mai so faii'c: him here aje me, " That ich him wole 3ulde ech ferthing: therfore cheose
he." Lo which acord this was: and hou sone ido! The anuy that hadde Seint Thomas: nas nojt yended so. Maister Herhard wende a^e: and tolde Seint Thomas
fore. 1769
" }e" tho3te this holi man: " this pees is forlore." Him silf Seint Thomas siththe: to the Kinge wende, To speke more of this acord: if he hit mijte amende. The King him wolcomede as li5te: as he ne huld no5t
therto; And wende him forth, and Seint Thomas: to liure his
masse also. He was iwoned to hure his masse: as hit ful to the day. And tho nom he forth a soule masse: that nojt therto
ne lay. For he nolde cusse massecos: to cusse Seint Thomas: This holi man tho3te wel: whi thenchesoun was. Wei narewe the King himbithojte: to dryve his lither
tho3t: This acord was sone ido: and to feble ende ibro3t. 1780 Tho the masse was ido: in consail longe hi stode. Ofte the King up breide the he: him dude er of gode; Hou I03 man to him he com: and in which poer he
him bro3te, And that he au3te wel uvele a3en him beo: if he him
wel bitho3te.
.92 LIFE AND MARTYRDOM
So lii were togadere longe: and tlio hi liadde al ido, Thej hit lute while ilaste: with love hi depart ede atuo. Seint Thomas gan to sikfi sore: tho he him hadde un-
derstonde, That he hadde so longe ibeo: out of Engelonde; Thej hit were ajen his wille: him thojte hit a lither
dede, That his bischopriche hadde ibeo: withoute govern
and rede. 1790
To the King of France he wende furst: and to the gode
men and hende, And faire of hem his leve he nom: to Engelonde to
wende. He thonkede hem of al onur: that hi him hadde ido, And with fair condut and gret love: fram hem wende
so. With gret honur he wende of France: toward Enge- londe; Atte havene he gan abide: that me clipeth Whit-
sonde. The lettres that he hadde of Rome: to Engelond he
sende, To do the sentence al abrod: bifore him er he wende. The Archebischop of Everwyk: in sentence he let do, And the Bischop of Salesbure: and of Londone also; For hi hadde icrouned the junge King: ajen his dignete, With unrijt in his bischopriche: he amansede alle threo. Tlio the tethinge to hem com: hi makeden hem wroth
ynouj, ^^^^^
And thretnede this holiman: thc5 hit were with WOU5.
OF THOMAS BEKET, 93
Seint Thomas wende toward schipe: to Engelond to
wende: A man tlier com fram Engelond: ajen him, god and
hende. ''A sire!" he seide, "for Godes love: ne passe nojt
3ut the see; " For kny3tes ther beoth in Engelonde: iredi th6 toslee. ' At eche havene hi awaitieth: to kepe the, meni on: " If thu comest among hem ou3t: thu worst aslawe
anon." 1810
" Cartes, sire," quath Seint Thomas: "yneleno leng
abide; *'To Engelond ich wole nou drawe: itide what bitide. " Thej ich beo to drawe Ijme mele: ynele abide namore: " To longe ich have thannes ibeo: and that me reweth
sore. " The soules that ich have to loke: six jer and more,
iwis, " Withoute warde habbeth ibeo: alias to longe hit is! " Wei ich wot ich worde ther: aslawe, er come longe: "Ich wole for holi churche ri3t: thang deth fawe
afonge. " Acbiddethfor me to Jesu Crist: ich bidde^ par charite. "Ac tofore alle othere nameliche: o thing biddeth
for me, 1820
" That God, for his holi grace: to Canterbury me sende, " That ich mote quik other ded: to myn owe churche
wende; " If ynemay no3t alyve come: er ich ymartred beo, " That mi l)odi mote ded: God hit granti me!"
94 LIFE AND MARTYRDOM
His leve he nom dulfulliclie: to schipe he wende tho: He thonkede him al onur: that he him hadde ido. And biteijte al France Jesu Ci'ist: and blesccde hit
wel faste, That folc makede deol ynouj : the sorewe longe ilaste. At Dovere were Knyjtes jare: tliat ihurde of him
telle, As sone as he come up there: iredi him to quelle. 1830 Sire Renald de "Warenne: and Sdre Randolf de Broke, And also Gerveis the Scherreve: gret folc with him
toke, To kepe this sell man at Dovere: Avhan he come up of
the see, And, bote he wolde hei*e wille do: al 5are him to sle. To the havene of Sandwich: that schip wel evene
drou5, And thother him abide at Dovere: with threting ynouj. In the schipes seyl anhej: this holi man let do, A croice that me fur ise3: isowed faste therto. That was signe of his baner: for other ne kipte he
non: Men stodeat Sandwych, andbihulde: the croice mcni on. "\Ye seoth nou hiderward," hi seide: " oure Bischop
Thomas." I8ii
The 3ut he was fur in the see: me wiste ho hit was. The cri was sone wide couth: that folc orn swithe
ynou5; And er he were to londe iconic: faste a3en him drou3. Hi cride and thonkede Jesu Crist: that hi him moste
alyve iseo;
OF THOMAS BEKET. 95
Hi wolcomede him with joye ynouj: ne mijte noman
more beo. The thridde dai of the Advent: bifore Cristes masse
hit was, That he com thus to Engelond: this gode man Seint
Thomas ; The sovethe jer that he furst wende: out of Engelonde, For six jer and a month he was fleme: as ich under-
stonde. 1850
This was elleve hondred 3er: and sixti and tene, After that God an urthe: in his moder ali5te, ich wene. Tlie word to this Knijtes com: to Dovere, of this cas, Hon Seint Thomas theholi man: at Sandwych aryved
was. To Sandwych hi wende faste: Seint Thomas hi fonde
anon; "With lither semblant ynou3: hi wolcomede him echon. Hi seide, " Hou havestou thang wey: to Engelonde
ynome, " That desturbest the lond: as sone as thu er icome, " And also al holi churche: as we aldai iseoth, "That amansest the Bischops: that thyne felawes
beoth? I860
" Thu aujtest mid alle lawe: love pees and arere, " And ther nas nevere alonde pees: siththe thu bischop
were. " If thu thenchest wel to do: withdrau3 thi dede, we
redeth, sone; " Other me schal do bi the: as bi such a man is to done." "Mi leove freond," quath Seint Thomas: " soth hit is
ynou3,
96 LIFE AND MARTYRDOM
" That mansing ich let do: mid rijte and no3t mid
WOU3 ; " And bi mi louerdes leve, the King: that ech man
in rijte were, " That so gret ti-epas ne wende forth : bote hit amended
were, " And were eftsong afterward: mid unrijt and aje
lawe, "In diserteisoun of mi churche: to custurae idrawe. Tho the Kni3tes ihurde: that the King consentede
therto, 1871
Hi bilevede here gretemod: and here threting also, And in faire manere bede him: undo his mansinge, To norischi love to his felawes: bituene him and the
Kinge. So that respit bituene hem: of this answere hi nome, Forte Seint Thomas amor we: to Canterbury come. Seint Thomas amorwe: to Canterbure drouj; The contrai a3en hira com: with joye and blisseynou3. Ech preost somnede his parosche: clanliche, in ech
ende; To beo 3are a3en him: with processioun to wende; So that with processioun: meni and faire ynou3, i^i "With croiz and with tapres: the contray a3en liim
drou3. With croiz and with taperes: ne mi3te non more beo, Hi thonkede alle Jesu Crist: that hi mijte him
alyve iseo. Of bellen and of taperes: so gret was the soun, Of instrument and of song: tho he com into the toun,
OF THOMAS BEKET. 97
That me ne mijte ihure other thing: for the noyse so
gret; More joye ne mijte beo: than was in the stret. As oure Louerd a Pahnsonedai: lionured was ynouj, Tho he rod into Jerusalem: and toward his dethe
drouy, 1890
Also was Seint Thomas: as me mijte iseo there, For oure Louerd wolde that his detli: iliche to his were. Er this holi man, Seint Thomas: to his churche come, The monekes with processioun: ajen him thane wei
nome. Of his palefrai he alijte adoun: and the monekes
echon, To the he3e weved myldeliche: hi ladde him up anon. Tho he hadde at churche ido: al that was to done. With his men myldeliche: to his in he wende sone. Nadde Seint Thomas nojt ibeo: at his paleys wel longe. That this Knijtes eft ne come: here answere to
afonge. 1900
Hi beden as hi duden er: undo his mansinge. And assoilli the Bisschops: that he let therinne bringe. " Beau frere/' quath Seint Thomas: '• that ne mai ich
do no5t; " For hi beoth in sentence: thurf the Pope ibrojt. "Andynemai no3t undo his dede: je wite, in none
place; " Ac no3t for than ich triste wel: so moche to his
grace, " That ich wole assoilli hem: in thisse forme, fawe,
98 LIFE AND MARTYRDOM
" That hi do surance forto stoude: to holi churche
lawe. "And to the heved of holi churche: and in other
forme non." The Knijtes the hi hurde this: faste hi chidde echon; And tho hi nadde non other word: for wraththe forth
hem weude. i^n
And tolde the Bischops here answere: that hem thider
sende. The Bischops hem makede wroth ynouj: and thret-
nede faste, And natheles the tueye of hem: withdrowe hem atte
laste. The Bischop of Salesbury: and of Londone also, To holi churche wolde stonde: and to hire loking also. Ac tharchebischop of Everwyk: anon him withsede: "Daithat," he seide, "that astonde: so folliche at 50ure
rede, " Forto don ous in his grace: that evere was oure fo. " He hath ido ous meni schame: and thanne he wole do
ous mo. 1920
" Thej he habbe of 50U poer: he nath non of me, "For Archebischop ich am: je wite, as wel as he. "Ich wot ich have a lute cofre: that stent hoi and
sound, " Ther beoth 3ut inne atte leste: eijte hondred pound, "jare ich am to spene that: 3ut me thencheth to lute, " Forto awreke ous wel of him: and alcgge his prute. " "Wende we to the Kinge anon: and telle we of this
dede,
OF THOMAS BEKET. 99
" And that him ne tideth nevereft pees: bote he him
therof rede." This threo Bischops hasteliche: over see thane wei
nome; Alute bifore Cristes masse: to the King hi come, i^^o Hi fonden him in Normandie: hi fulle adoun akneo; Hi beden him holden up his onur: and here help to
beo. Hi tolden him hou this gode man: tho he to londe com, Desturbede al holi churche: and the kynedom; And hou he hadde with grete prute: in sentence ido Alle that makede his sone Kyng: and assentede therto; And hou he, in despit of him: dude suche lither dede, And the lawes of his lond: alout rijt withsede. Thej King the he hurde this: for wraththe he wasne3
wod; He 5eode up and doun as vvitles: and ofte iy thojtS
stod. 19-t
" If alle that makedi mi sone King: he manseth," he
sede, " Mid the furste he manseth me: for hit was mi dede. " Ho mijte in suche soriuisse: such lyf longe lede? " The traitour aspilleth al that lond: and brinjth ous
in wrecchede." Ofte he cursede alle: that he hadde forth ibrojt, That hi of the false preost: his fo, ne wreke him nojt, That desturbed al that lond: and brojte in wrecchede. As he 3eode up and doun: and this wordes sede, His Kni3tes, tho hi hurde this: hi stode sone stille: Hi bithojte stilleliche: to paye the Kinges wille. l^*^^
h2
100 LIFE AND MARTYRDOM
Foure that the meste schreweu were: bitli05ten of a
gyle,
Sire Renald le Fizours: and Sire Hughe de Moreville, And Sire Williem the Traci: and Sire Richard the
Brut; Here names, for here schrewede: nebeothno3t forjute
ut. Hi nome hem to rede still cliche: to passi the see, And fortopayethe Kinges wille: Seint Thomas to sle. Stilleliche hi wende forth: that no man hit nuste. Hi were nejwhat atte see: er the King hit wiste: Tho the King liit under3et: after hem he sonde, 1^59 That hi levede here folic: and a5en to him wende. Acthismessager ne mijte nojt: atake hem mid no ginne, For er he com to the see: hi were fur with inne, Tho raakede the King deol jnouy. that hi were forth
iwend, And that the messager hem ne oftok: that lie after
hem isend. Seint Thomas at Canterbure: a Midewynteres day, Stod and prechede that folc: as meni man isay. In his predicatioun: he gan to sike sore. And deol and sorwe makede ynou5: ne mi3te no man
more. He wep and lokede therto: hou the teres urne adoun; Ther was ek meni weping 636: sone into al the toun. "Mi leove freond," quath Seint Thomas: wepinge wel
sore, 1961
"30ure preost ich habbe awhile bco: ac ynemai nou
nomore.
OF THOMAS BEKET. 101
" For myn endedai is nej icome: yne worthe 1103! her
longe, "Icli schal for lioli churche rijt: quik thane deth
afonge. "Biddeth for me, for Godeslove: and for holi churche
also. "That is almest ibrojt to grounde: bote God nyme
jeme therto. "Ac thane deth ich wole fawe afonge: whan hit is
Godes wille, "For the ri5t of holi churche: rather than heo aspille." Boc and candle he nom anon: and amansede rijt there, Alle that werrede holi churche: and ajen hire rijtes
were; 1970
And nameliche Sire Randolf de Broke: and Sire Ro- bert de Brok also. That the bischopriche of Canterbury: mid unrijt
hadde misdo. For the while Seint Thomas was out of londe: the
King Henri bitoc The bischopriche, al to loke: to Sire Randolf de Brok ; And he makede Robert de Brok: his clerk that was
tho, Wardeyn therof under him: that dude the lond wel wo. He destruyde al the bischopriche: and to him nom and
drou3, And let him gret bold arere: of that he nom with wouj. Therinne a Cristes masse dai: tho this mansing was ido. He sat and et nobliche: and meni with him also, i^so He caste houndes of his bred: that bifore him lay,
102 LIFE AND MARTYRDOM
And everech hound liit forsoc: as al that folc isay. Tho handlede he other bred: and let menge hit, atte
laste, With other bred ther biside: and amonge the houndes
hit caste. Al that he ihandled hadde: the houndes hit forlete, And chose out tliother ther among: and clanliche hit
ete. The mansing was on him isene: anon thulke day; Ther was gret wreche of God: as al that folc isay. Whan hi that bred forsoke: that tofore him lay, Bi a Fridai, thulke jer: was Ci'istes masse day. l^oo As this four lithere Kni3tes: of wham we gonne telle, To Engelonde were icome: Seint Thomas forto
quelle; To the castel of Saltwode: a Seint Thomas dai hi come, Six myle fram Canterbury: and ther here in nome. And Sire Randolf de Brok: to hem com wel sone. Thulke nijt hi nome here red: the lithere dede to done. Amorwe, a Childerne masse dai: (as God the gi'ace
sende,) Sire Randolf de Brok: to Canterbure wende, Forto enquere of Seint Thomas: wliar hi him mijte
fynde. That he ne drowe him nojt awei: nc luuldc him bi-
hynde. 2000
This Knijtes thang Tuesdai: nolde no leng bileve, Ac wende forth to Canterbure: wel er hit were eve. Aboute tyme of evesong: to Seint Thojnas hi come, Thane wei, baldC'lichc: to hii> chambre lii nome.
OF THOMAS BEKET. 103
Hi come, and fonden him stilleliche: in his chambre
stonde, With his privei clerkes: and gret consail hadde an-
honde. Sire Renald le Fizours: grimliche forth wende: " Sire," he seide, " oure louerd the King: in message
hider ous sende. " Fram him out of Normandie: an heste we habbeth
ibro5t, " That thu do his comandement: that thu ne bileve
hit nojt; 2010
" And that thu wende to his sone: that jung Kyng
ymaked is, " And amende a3en him that thu hast: his fader ido amis; " And swere him oth to beo him true: and of the
baronye also, " That thu boldest of him in chief: do that thu au3test
to do. " The clerkes that thu bringest with the: if hi woUeth
her astonde, " Swerie the King true to beo: other hi schulle out of
londe." " Beau sire," quatli this gode man: "ynele the no5t
lie: " Ich wole do the King that ich aujte: for the baronie. " Ac nolde God that holi churche: underfote were
so, " That ich, other mi clerkes: eni of hem do. 2020
" Thu wost wel that alle the lewede men: that beOth in his londe.
104 LIFE AND MARTYRDOM
" Ne swerieth nojt thulke oth: as icli understonde. " Nou wolde 36 holi churche: "in gret servage do, *' In more than a lewed man: nai, ne worth hit no5t so." " Me thin3th wel," quath Sire Renald: " thu nelt do
nothing, " Of the heste that we briugeth the: fram oure louerd
the King. " "We hoteth th6 ek, in his half: that thu assoilli also " The Bischop[s] that thu hast: in sentence ido." " Beau sire," quath Seint Thomas: " hit nis mi dede
nojt: " Ac thurf the Popes owe mouth: hi beoth in sentence
ibro3t; 2030
" And, thu wost wel, ynemai no3t: the Popes dede
undo." "Thurf the Pope," quath Sire Renald: "ido? thurf
the hit is so." " K the Pope," quath Seint Thomas: " hath in sen- tence ibro3t, " That habbeth mi churche misdo: hit ne mispaeth
me no3t." " In eche manere thu schewest wel:" Sire Renald seide
tho, " Forto anuye oure louerd the King: and thu ert liis fo. " Whar thurf we wel iseoth: tliu wilnest him do wo, " And bjnyme his croune, if thu mijt: ac hit ne schal
no5t go so; " And king thu woldest beo in his stede: thu ne worst
nevermo."
OF THOMAS BEKET. 105
" Certes, sire," quath Seint Thomas: ''yne thencliS
nojt therto. 2010
"Ac ich him wole rathere therto helper so moche as
ich may, " And for him and his honur: ich bidde ni3t and day. " For ther nis non an urthe: that ich lovie more, iwis, " Than ich do him, sauf his fader: that mi louerd is. " A Seinte Marie dai Magdalene: (to sothe ich sigge
the,) " Thacord was ymaked: hituene mi louerd and roe; " And he seide me that ich lete amansi: alle that
habbeth misdo " Mi churche, that is his owe moder: and that ich
habbe ido." "Avoy! sire preost!" quath this other: "to moche
thu spext nej, " Thu desclandrest thin owe louerd: thou nert
nothin[g] slej, 2050
" Saistou that mi louerd the King: in mansing let do " Alle that makede his sone King: ne consentede he
therto? '•' Nas hit al bi his owe dede: and bi non other manes
lore? "Avoi! sire preost!" he seide, " bitheuch the bet:
ne sai thu so nomore." " Sire," quath Seint Thomas: " thu wost wel hit was
so: " For thu were ther tho the silf: and meni other therto, " Archebischops and Bischops: and other grete and
he5e;
106 LIFE AND MARTYRDOM
"36? vyf hondrecl men and mo: as the silf ise5e." "Beo stille!" quath this lithere Kni3t: "hold thi
mouth, ich rede. " Thumissaistfoule thin owe louerd: daithat hit so sede. " Ho mijte sufFri such desclandre: bote he nome
wrecche? 206I
" Bi the fei that ich owe to God: me schal the ano- ther teche." His felawes also everechone: here armes abrod caste, Andfurde as men that wode were: and thretnede faste. To the monekes hi wende anon : " cometh forth," hi sede, " 36 holdeth her the Kinges fo: witeth him wel, ich
rede: " And her to the Kinges wille: his bodi habbe 3are, " Other he schal 3oure londes aboute: and 30ure raa-
ners make bare." " Sire Renald," quatli Seint Thomas: " wenestou ich
wole fleo? " Nai, parde, no3t ofot: for the King ne for the!" 2070 " Bi Gode, sire preost," quath Renaud: " bi than thu
wost than ende: *' Thi fleoinge worth swithg schort: thu ne schal no5t
fur wende." This Kni3te3 in grete wraththe ynou3: wende forth
anon. And lete hem armi swithg wel: and come a3e echon, With swerdes and with axes: and mid other armes mo; Robert de Brok, the lithere clerk: was with hem tho. Into the cloistrc of Canterbure: with grete noyse hi
gonne weve:
OF THOMAS BEKET. 107
The monekes songe compli: for hit was ne3 eve. Summe for this grete noyse: fulle acloun for fere; Sum me bigonne to fleo aboute: as hi witles were. 20S0 Seint Thomas nom acroice anhonde: and other armes
non, And therwith wel baldeliche: 3eode a3en his fon. The monekes urne to him sone: " Sire, merci!" hi sede, " For Godes love abyd 3ut: cure Louerd the mai wel
rede. " SuiFre that we lielpe the: other that we with the
deye." Some wolde maki the dores: tho hi this iseye. " Bileveth," quath this holi man: " 3e ne doth no5t as
the wise: " Singeth forth 3our evesong: and oure Louerdes ser-
vise. " Me ne schal of holi churche: castelmak non. " Leteth foles astounde awede: and in here folies gon." This Knijtes come reken in: here folies forto do: " Whar is," hi seide, "the traitour: and fals Bischop
ako?" 2092
Seint Thomas nom the croiz anhonde: and answerede
his fon: " Her ich am, Godes preost: ac traitour nan ich non. " Secheth him that wole 3U fleo: other threde joure
thretinge. "No prestere ne beoth 30ure swerdes: me to dethe
bringe, " That myn hurte prestere nis: thane dethe forto take: " For the ri3t of holi churche: ynele thane deth forsake."
108 LIFE AND MARTYRDOM
Ther wend6 forth on, anon: and his hure of drou5; And his mantel afterward: mid vylte ynouj. 2100
Sire Renald le Fizours: pursuede him anon. " Sire Renald," quath Seint Thomas: "hou sclial this
nou gon? "Ich have the ofte god ido: the and othere mo." " Thu schalt sone," quath this other: "witehouhit
schal go. " Traitour! thu ert ded anon: other neli do!" " Tosothe,"quath[this] holi man: " prest ich am therto. " For the ri3tes of holi churche: of the deth ich am
fawe, " If heo mi3te therafterward: in pees beo and in lawe. "Ac ich bidde 5U, if 56 sicheth me: in oure Louerdes
name, " That 56 ne come ne3 no man: him to no schame: " For non other gulti nis: of that je witeth me; 2111 " AUe gulteles hi beoth bote ich one: therfore siker
5e beo; "And also gulteles as hi beoth: harmles leteth hem
wende." This gode man sat adoun akneo: tho he sej his ende: And forto fonge martirdom: the heved he bed adoun, And wel softe, as somme ihurde: seide his oreisoun. " Oure Louerd and Seint Marie: and Seint Dionis also, "And alle the avowes of the churche: that ich an on
ido; " Ich bitake mi soul here: and holi churche ri3te." 3ut he bad for holi churche: tho he nadde non other
mi;te. 2J20
OF THOMAS BEKET. 109
Sire Renald le Fizours: niest schrewe of eclion, Forto smyte tliis lioli man: his swerd lie drouj anon. Ac Edward Grim, that was his clerc: of Grante-
brugge ibore; To helpe his louerd, if he mijte : his arm pulte bifore. He wondede his arm swithe sore: the blod orn adoun: With thulke dint he smot also: Seint Thomas upe the
croun, That the blod orn bi his face adoun: bi the ri5t half
of the wounde. Loude gradde this lithere Knijt: " smiteth alle to
grounde!" 2128
Edward Grim and alle his men: that aboute him were, Urne aboute ech in his side: upe the wevedes for fere. Ashitbi oure Louerd furde: tho the Gywes him nome, His disciples flowe anon: he nuste whar hi bicome. For in the Godspel hit is iwrite: as oure Louerd silf
sede, " "Whan me smyteth the schephurde: the schep woUeth
to sprede." And oure Louerde bad me ne scholde: his disciples
non harm do: Theron tho5te Seint Thomas: and bad for his men also. Another Kni5t smot Seint Thomas: in thulke silve
wounde, And makede buye his face adoun: and loke toward
the grounde. The thridde in thulke silve stede: therafter him smot
anon, 2139
And makede him aloute adoun: his face upe the ston.
110 LIFE AND MARTYRDOM
In thulke stede the furthe smot: that thothere haclde
er ido, And the poynt of his swerd brak: in the marbelston
atuo. For honur of the holi man: that therwith was
ismyte, Thulke poynt at Canterbury: the monekes witieth jute. With thulke stroc he smot of: the sculle and eke the
croune, That the brayn orn abrod: upe the pavement ther-
doune. The white brayn was ymengd: with red blod there; The colour was fair to iseo: thej hit reuthe were. And alround hit orn aboute his heved: as thej hit
were a diademe, 2049
And alround theraboute lay; wherof me tok grete jeme. For whan me peynt an halcwe: je ne seoth nojt
bileved, That ther nis ipeynt around: alaboute the heved; That is iclepid diademe: as me sej ther a fair cas, Bi the diademe of his heved: that he halewe was. Tho this holi man was aslawe: this Knijtes graddc
echone, "This traitour is to dethe ibrojt: wcnde we hunne
anon. "Sueth ous the Kinges men: and alle that with him
beoth: "Of this traitour we beoth awreke: as we alio iseoth. "Hethojte beo hejere than the King: and bynyme
his croune,
OF THOMAS BEKET. Ill
" And to no3t bringe al that lond: and uou he lith tber-
doune!" 206O
As the Gywes dude bi oureLouerd: tho hi wolde him
to dethe do, That he makede him king, and non nas: and Godes
Sone also. Tho this lithere Knijtes: fram Seiut Thomas were
agon, Robert de Brok him bitho3te: and a56 turnede anon. And thurf his senile smot the swerd: fur with inne
the heved, That the senile al amti was: and no brayn therinne
bilevede. As the Gywes smyte oui'e Louerd: into the liurte
grounde, After his deth, with a spere: and makede him the
vyfte wounde. This lithere men alle in o stede: smite Seint Thomas, In the senile evene abrod: as the croune was. 2070 He nas no5t the man that wolde: his heved enes
withdrawe, Ne fonde forto blinche a strok: ne his fot aweiward
wawe ; Ne enes grone ne makie cri: ac myldeliehe and softe His heved huld eveneforth: the5 hi smyten ofte. This lithere Knijtes wende anon: to his tresorie. And breke his dores and his cofres: and dude here
robberie; Hi nome his clothes and his hors: and his tx'esour
also, ' '
112 LIFE AND MARTYRDOM
Chartres and otiier privei writes: that in his cofres
were ido. Hi bitoke hem Sire Randolf de Brok: that he to the
Kinge wende, 2079
Therwith into Normandie: and sigge that hi him sende, That he dude therwith what he wolde: and if ther eni
were, Ajen his franchise and his Aville: that he hit sone to
tere. Among his tresour hi fonde ek: tuei wel stronge here, Wei vylliche hi hem nome and caste awei: as hi nojt
worth nerej And natheles hi bithojte hem: and were somdel in
fere, And bispeke bituene hem stilleliche: that he god man
were. Sire Williem de Traci siththe tolde: of this gode man
Seint Thomas, The Bischop of Excestre in schrifte: as he ischryve
was. That tho Seint Thomas was islawe: and lii outward
were, Hem agros so sore that hi were: nej witles for fere. For hem tho3tc as hi outward wende: ne 5eoden hi
nojt so swithe, 2091
That the urthe openede hem a^i: to swolewe hem
alyve. Tho Seint Thomas asUiwc was: and the Knijtes out
agon, Into al the toun of Canterbure: couth hit was anon;
\
OF THOMAS BEKET. 113
That folc cride dulfulliche: and to churche drowe, And lionurede that holi bodi: and custe hit ynowe. The nionekes come sone thider: and this holi bodi toke, In a here faire hi hit leide: and tofore an auter hit
woke. The face was why t and cler ynouj ; and no blod ther-
inne, Bote fram the lift half of his foreheved: to the lift half
of his chinne, . 2100
A smal rewe ther was of blod: that over his nose
drou3; No more blod nas in his necke: as that folc ise3 ynouj. The wonden bledde al longe nijt: me mijte hente
therof, iwis: In the churche of Canterbure: of the blod 3ut ther is. Ac he nas of nothe worse heu: for al that he bledde
there, Bote cler and ihewed wel ynouj: as he alyve were: Sumdel la3inge with his mouth: he lai as he slepe. That folc was aboute him thicke: that blod forto kepe; And forto gaderi of that blod: that ischad was in the
grounde, And of the urthe that was bibled: glad weren hi whan
hihitfounde. 2110
For that nolde noman hem werne: thicke awei me hit
drou3, And ho uii3te him enes tuochi: he was glad ynou3. Amorwe this lithere Kni3te3: armeden hem eftsone, And withoute the toune nome here red: what hen\ was
to done.
I
114 LIFE AND MARTYRDOM
Hi radden hem to nyme this bodi: and with wylde hors
to drawe, And on a war3treo hongen hit siththe: and seide hit
was lawe: For he nas worthe to beon ibured: in churche, ne in
church5erd. This monekes overtrowede this: and were sumdel afcrd. Hi bnrede this holi bodi: in a stede ther biside, With wel lute solempnete : for hi ne therste no leng
abide. ^120
This holi bodi was ibured: in the minstre of Jesu
Crist, Bifore Seint Austines weved: and Seint eJohnes the
Baptist. Hi ne therste so longe abide: that the bodi iwasche
were, Ac al ungreithed hi leide hit in: and hi5ede for fere. As hi strupten his clothes of: al abouten him hi fonde Clerkes clothes, as hit biful: ac another atte grounde: For monekes abyt was withinne: as hi fonde tliere, Bothe coucle and stamyn: hi fondC next the here. So that he was withinne monek: and seculer withoute: Nuste noman his priveite: of that hem was aboute. Next his flesch his here was: with knottes menion; That deope in his flesch hi wode: and summe anon to
the bon. • 2132
Thcrof he hadde schurte and brech: Intel esehemi5te
vclc; So that he was therinnc ibounde: fram schuldre to the
liele.
OF THOMAS BEKET. 115
AVith Intel ese he mijte sitte: and uneseliche ride, And uneseliche ligge ek: and wende up aither side. Ful of wormes was his flesch: ek to other wo, In no creature (icli understonde): ne fond nevere man
mo. For in eche stede of his flesch: hi were so thicke
isete, That the grete ne nii3te come: for the smale to here mete. 2140
Faste hi schove and crope ek: as emeten alaboute; Ac the smale clevede faste to: the grete levede with-
oute. He deide elleve hondred jer: and soventi and on, After that oure Louerd ali5te: to nyme oure flesch
and bon. Of threo and vyfti 5er him silf: of elde he was tho: He hadde meni a fair dai: ilyved in care and wo. The King was evere in Normaudie: and therof nuste
nojt: He makede deoland sorweynou: tho the tethinge him
was ibro3t. In the castel of Argenteyme: he sojournede tho, 2149 Withoute the 3et ne com he no3t: fourti dayes ne mo; Ac evere him hulde in priveite: in wop and other wo; For no neode that me him sede: he nolde withoute go. He ne ro3te nothing of this wordle: lute he et also: The sorwe and deol tliat he makede: ne mi3te nevere
beo ido. He sende anon to Canterbure: for tliis deolful dede,
i2
116 LIFE AND MARTYRDOM
And the monekes bad pitousliche: that hi for him
bede; And sende hem word that hit nas: nothing bi his rede, And that the Kni5te[s] wende forth: and nothing hi no
seide; And that he sende after hem: that hi come a3e, And er the man hem come to: hi were fur in the see. To the Pope also god: the King sende sone, 2161
And bad his consail pitousliche: what him was to done; And bad him, for the love of God: in such angusse
him rede, That he were ischryve and assoilled: of the lithere
dede. The Pope hadde gret pite; that he such word him
sende; And gret joy that he hadde wille: his lyf to amende. Tuei Cardynals he sende him: wise men bothe tuo, To schryve him of tliulke synne: and assoilli also; And the Bischops to assoilli ek: that were in mansinge. AVele that this Cardinals: wolcome were the Kinge. The King bad hem deolfulliche: schryve him of the
dede; 2171
Ac bihet hem stabliche: to stonde al at here rede. He swore upe the halidom: that hit nas bi him nojt, Ne bi his wille, ne bi his heste: that he was to dethe
ibrojt; Ne that for his fader deth: so sori man he nas, Ne for his morde nothemo: as he for him was. And that he wolde with gode hurte: the penance al
afonge,
OF THOMAS BEKET. 117
That hi wolde legge on him: nere hit n03t so stronge; For he was ench^soun of his deth: and of his anuy
also, For the Knijtes to paye him: brou3te him therto. 2180 Tho the Cardinals iseje: that lie repentant withdrouj, Hi assoillede him, and leide on him: penance strong
ynou3, In priveite, as rijt was: that noman hit nuste; And this ek that ich wole nou telle: that that folc of
wiste; — That he fonde to the holi londe: to hondred knijtes to
fijte, Al a 3er, with Templers: for holi chnrche ri3te; And the statutz of Clarendone: he scholde alout with-
drawe, For whan this holi man: was ibr03t of dawe; And that he clanliche julde a3e: that bynome was, The bischopriche of Canterbure: for wraththe of
Seint Thomas; 2190
That heschulde his uvel wille: al clanliche ek for3yve, Al that he hadde of londe: for wraththe of him idryve. The King grantede al here wille: wepinge wel sore; And seide hit was to lute: and bad legge on him more; And seide, "almid wille her: mi bodi ich bitake: "3ev'eth me penance ynou3: ynele non forsake." He wende out atte churche dore: assoilled to beo, And ne huld him no3t worthe: that me scholde him
withinne iseo. Withoute the churche pitousliche: he sat adounakneo.
118 LIFE AND MARTYRDOM
Ac the Cardinals nolde 11031: his bodi al unwreo. 2200 Ac somdel above his clothes: hi assoillede him thei'e. For deol hi wope pitousliche: rneni that ther were. As sone he make ane biheste: with wel dreori cliere, His fader penance to fulfiUe: if he of poer nere; If he fill in feble stat: that he ne mi3te hit ful endc, The penance he nom upe him silve: and dude as the
hende. Thus was this gode man: ibr03t to martirdom: Meni was the fair miracle: that siththe for him com. Me wiste in Jerusalem: that he was to dethe ido, 2209 Withinne the furste fourteni3t: that hit com therto. For a monek of thulke londe: in his detli uvel lay, And his Abbot tofore him com: bifore his ende day; And conjurede him that he scholde: after his deth uvcl
there, Come to him and telle him fore: in which stat he were. So that the monek deide sone: as God 3ctf the cas. To his Abbot siththe he com: as he conjured was; And seide that he isaved was: in the joye of hevene
anhe3, 2317
And tolde him mochc of the joye: that he ther isej. He tolde him that thulke tyme: that he to hevene com, The Archebischop of Canterbury: tholede martirdom; And that his soule thulke tyme: wende to hevene anon. Fair was the processioun: that a3en him com gon, Of angles and of patriarcs: and of apostles also, Of martirs and of confessours: and of virgines therto. Hi Home allc his holi soule: and tofoi'c ourc Louerd
come.
OF THOMAS BEKET. 119
And brou3te him with joye 7110115: as he sat on his
trone. His croune was al of ismyte: blodi was his heved, And his brayn was al ischad: that ther nas nojt ileved. "Thomas! Thomas!" quath oure Louerd: "thus hit
falleth to the, " To come into thi Louerdes court: in suche manere
to me. 2330
" For thi servise, ich th^jeve: moche joye and blis, " As ich 3af Seint Peter: that myn owe disciple is." A croune he sette upon his heved: of gold cler and
god: Wei bicom the bri5te gold: upon the rede blod. More joye ne mijte beo: than for him in hevene was: The Archebischop of Canterbure: this was Seint
Thomas. The Tuesdai after Cristes masse: the nexte that ther
com, The holi man Seint Thomas: tholede martirdom. And whan thu hurest telle of his deth: of men of
Engelonde, Thu schalt ileove me of this tale: and that sothe
underfonge. 2240
The Abbot sone amorwe: ne forjet nojt Seint Thomas, Ac the Patriarc of Jerusalem: he tolde al thr.t cas; So that forthere in the 3ere: hit was wel understonde. That Pelegrims thider come: out of Engelonde. The Pelegrims tolde al that sothe: as he hadde er ised, In what manere he was aslawe: and which tyme he
was ded.
120 LIFE AND MARTYRDOM
Icud was thus in Jerusalem: the deth of Seint Thomas, Withinne the furste fourteni3t: that he ymartred was. The vyfte 5er (ich understoude): after his martirdom, Bituene King Henri and his sone: gret contek ther com. 2250
The sone bicom prout anon: for his kynedom, And of his fader tolde lute: and werre upe him nom. The meste del was with his sone: of al Eng&londe, And the King of France also: and the King of Scot-
londe; So that this seli olde man: in sorwe was ynou3; Al he hit wiste the lithere dede: that me Seint Tho- mas SI0U5. He wende out of Normandie: into Engelonde; Er he com to Canterbure: he nolde no whar atstonde. Tho he com fur withoute the toun: he gan to ali3te
adoun, Al afote and barefot: he wende into the toun, 2260 In his curtel al ungurd: (as al that folc isay,) And to the place he wende so: as Seint Thomas lay. He huld up his honden dulfulliche: and cride milce
and ore; At his tumbe he ful akneo: wepinge wel sore. Wei)ing in his oreisouns: al fastinge he lay. At this holi man^s tumbe: a nijt and a day. Of ech monek of the hous: he let him discipline, With a 3urd, and 5ut him tho5te. that hit was to lute
pyne. He bad hem alle dulfulliche: bidde for him one: 2269 He swor ek to legge adoun: the lithere lawes echone.
OF THOMAS BEKET. 121
So that he let singe a masse: er he thannes wende, Of Seint Thomas the holi man: that he his grace him
sende. The while me this masse song: (as God jaf the cas,) The Kyng of Scotlond was ynome: that his meste fo
was; And meni otliere ek with him : that were his meste fon, So that hi that were ynome: nadde poer non. So that this sell olde Kynge: that bynethe tho was, Al above was ibrojt: thurf the grace of Seint Thomas; And his sone was bynethe: and so bijat ful lute, To werren ajen his fader: for his sori prute. 2280
Bi him men mowe nyme ensample: to beo to hasty ve, To 3eve hex'e songs up here lond: the while hi beoth
alyve. The sone tho therafterward: provede uvele ynouj; Wei longe bifore his fader: toward the dethe he drouj. And forpynede in the meneisoun: that his lyf him
thojte longe, And deide siththe dulfuUiche: in gret pyne and strong. His brother also, Sire Geifrai: that of Britaigne Eorl
was, Deide ek in the meneisoun: in the silve cas; So that after here fader dethe: ther bilevede heir non, Bote here brother Kyng Richard: and siththe Kyng
John. 2290
Ac Sire Geffreies child: bi ri5te lawe of londe, Scholde habbe ibore the heritage: as ich understonde: Therfore that maide of Britaigne: that his doujter was, In warde was al hire lyf: for thulke silve cas.
122 LIFE AND MARTYRDOM
The litliere Kni3tes, alle foure: that slowe Seint
Thomas, Deide in stronge dethe ynouj: and no wonder nas! Hi were echone repentant: ne mijte none men more: Evere hi cride on Seint Thomas: to 3eve hem milce
and ore. Sone after that he was aslawe: here god al hi lete, And wende to the holi lond: here synnes forto bete. Ac Williem Traci ne wende nojt: forth Avith thother
threo; 2301
He hopede her in Engelond: repentant ynouj to beo; Ac he bicom therafterward: in grete meseise and
strong, His flesch bigan to breken out: and rotede and foule
stonk, So longe, that hit stonk so foule: that deol hit was to
seo, That unethe my3te eni man: for stinche ne5 him beo. His flesch rotede on him ek: and aldai ful awey, That his bonis were al bare: ne likede him no pley. He todrouj ek his owe flesch: mid his honden, atte
laste, Pece and other al abrod: fram him awei caste. 2310 He todrouj honden and amies: mest of echon, That ther nas no flesch ileved: bote synes and bar bon. Meni men hit thojte wel: that hit his wille were, Forto bete his synne: that his soule in peril nere. Wrecchedere gost ne mi3te beo: than this sell prisoun
was, Evere lie cride deolfulliche: " merci, Seint Thomas!"
OF THOMAS BEKET. 123
Atte laste he let his lyf: in the strongc pyne, And if hit Godes willc was: com to gode fyne. This Knijtes, for this lithere dede: deide sone echon, So that in the thi-idde 5ere: ther ne levede aljve no3t
on: 2320
For the Sauter saith that suche men: that of tricherie
beoth, Ne schnlleth no3t half here dayes libbe: as we aldai
iseoth. Thej hi beo wel repentant: as this Kni5tes were, ich
wene, 3ut ne libbeth hi no5t half here lyf: as hit was bi hem
isene. Seint Thomas, this holi man: under urthe lay, Er that he ischryned were: meni a long day. He lai therinne fourti 3er: and half 3er therto, And aboute an ei3te dayes : er he were of urthe ido. God wolde abide a god tyme: to so noble thing, Whan hi were bothe gode: Archebischop and King. For the Kyng that longe was: and evere was of lither
dede, 2331
Lute tho3te, bi his day: to do so gode dede. Ac the King Henri the 3unge sone: nolde no3t longe
fyne, Tho he was 3ung King ymaked: er he were in schryne. He nas no3t of threttene 3er: er he dude this noble
thing. And hit was ek in the f urthe 3er: that he was ymaked
Kyng. The gode Archebischop Stevene :radde evere faste therto,
121; LIFE AND MARTYRDOM
So that bi here beire red: this clede was ido.
The Pope Hono[r]i that was tho: hedir he gan sende
Pandolf, a Legat fram Rome: to bringe this dede to
ende. 2340
The Pope jaf alle gret pardoun : that thider wolde gon, That me nuste longe in Eiigelond: so gret pardoun
non. Therfori to honurye this holi bodi: ther com folc ynouj, Of bischops and of abbotes: menion thider di"0U3; Of priours and of persones: and of meni other clerkes
also, Of eorles and of barouns: and of meni knyjtes therto; Of serjant5 and of squiers: and of hosebondes ynowe, And of simple men ek of the lond: so thicke thider
drowe, That al the lond theraboute: the contrayes wide and
longe, Mijte unethe al that folc: that ther com, afonge. 2350 So that this heje men: that scholde this dede do. Were in care hou hi mijte: for presse come therto; So that the Archebischop Stevene: of wham that ich
30U er sede, And the Bischop Richard of Salisbure: nome hem to
rede; And the Priour, "Water, of the hous: and the Covent
also, "Wenden hem alle in priveite: this dede forto do. Binyjte as the men leye and slepe: and lute tlierof
thojte. Hi nome up this holi bones: and in a chistc hem brojte.
OF THOMAS BEKET. 125
And sette hem up in a privei stede: forte the dai were
icome, That was icrid into al that lond: that he schokle beo
up ynome, 2360
This was in the month of Jul: rijt evene the sovethe
dai, That bi a Tywesdai was tho: as al that folc isay. Tho this dai was icome: to this mynstre wende anon The Kyng Henri the 3unge child: and this hejC men
echon. Aboute underne of the dai: to [this] holi bodi hi come; Pandolf wende furste therto: the Legat of Rome; And the Archebischop of Canterbury: and of Reyns
also, That for the silve thinge come: fram bijunde see
therto. And Sire Huberd de Brom: that was the he^e Justise, And four grete louerdlings that were: noble men and
wise, 2370
Upe here schuldren hi nome: this holi bodi anon; And the bischops and abbotes: were ek meni on. To the he3 [auter] of the Trinite: this holi bones hi
here. And leide the chiste al therwith: in a noble scliryne
there. This King Henri was so jung: that he ne therste nojt, With othere bere this holi bones: leste me hurte him
ojt. This was bi a Tywesdai: that this bones up hi nome: Al his cheances that he hadde: by Tywesdai hi come.
12G LIFE AND MARTYRDOM, ETC.
Bi Tywesdai he was ibore: and out of his moder
wombe com; 2379
And also me bringeth ane theof: to fongen his dom, Tofore the Kyng at Novhamptone: bi a Tuesdai: With grete scharae he was ibro3t: as al that folc isai: Vyllokere than eni theof: that folc him ther as '.ende. Bi Tuesdai he was iflemd: and out of Engeloud wende. Bi a Tuesday at Ponteney: oure Louerd to him com, And seide him that swete word: of his martirdom. " Thomas!" seide oure swete Louerd: " 5ut schullen of
thi blode, "Alle mi churchen ihered beo:" this beoth wordes
gode. Bi Tuesdais also god: to Engelond he com, 2389
After that he was iflemd: to fonge his martirdom. Bi a Tuesdai at Canterbury: to dethe he was ido, And siththe bi a Tuesdai: ischryned also. Thuse sove thinges bi Tuesdai: him come atte laste: Therfore me si3th meni men: maki here faste, To leve flesch thane Tuesdai: other to o mel faste, Forte hi come to Canterbure: to honury the hejefeste. Nou Jesus, for the swete love: that Seint Thomas on
thojte, Bringe ous to thulke joye: that he so deore ous to
boujte. Amen, 2398
EXPLICIT VITA SANCTORUM.
APPENDIX.
THE HISTORY AND MARTYRDOM OF THOMAS BEKET,
EXTRACTED FROM THE METRICAL CHRONICLE OF
ROBERT OF GLOUCESTER.
(Ilearne's edition, pp. 468-478, and 517-518, corrected by
the Cottonian MS. Caligula a. xi. flf. ISl^-lSS,
and 1456-140.)
APPENDIX.
(IL'ai-n(>, pp. 4GS-478, MS. iK 1.311j-1.3.">.)
King Henri wondede miiclie: to abbe men in offis, Mid him, tliat of conseil: were god and wis. Ercedekne of Kanterbury: Sein Tomas tlio was: The King him made is Chaunceler: ac* is wille it
nou[5]t nas. To him tlie King truste mest: ne ther nas non so hey, That so muche wuste is privite: ne that him were so
ney. So muche he truste on him: that in is warde he let do Henri is eldoste sone: and is eir al so, Tliat he were his wardein: and al is ordeinour, To is wille to wissi him: and to the Kiuges honour. J*^ The King wende to Normandie: to sojorni there. And mid Sein Tomas dude is sone: that he is wardein
were. Tho Tebaud the Erchebissop: suththe ded was. The King and monekes ek: chose Seint Tomas. Tho he was Erchebissop: he huld jut in is bond That child, vort that the King: come in to Engclond.
* MS. at.
130 APPENDIX.
The child lovede him inou: more nas nevere iseye, Ne he nadde of no man: more love ne eye. Tho the King to londe com: Sein Tomas nom is sone, And wel vawe ajen him: wende to Southhamtone. 20 Ther was joye and blisse inou: tho hii togadere come; Hii custe horn and biclupte: and herede God ilome. It was enleve hundred 3er: and sixti and tuo, Of grace, that Sein Tomas: Avas Erchebissop tho. The nexte 5er ther after: (as it wolde be,) Endleve hundred 3er of grace: and sixti and thre, He halwede, as the King him bed: the churche of
Eedinge, That verst ifounded was: thoru Henri the other Kinge. He ssrinede thulke sulve 3er: Seint Edward, iwis. That was King of Engelond: at "Westmunstre that is. ^0 The King 3ef thulke sulve 3er: Henri is sone, Aungeo, Tours, and al Normandie: and Richard is sone, al so, He 3ef Gascoine and Aquitaine: so that hii dude homage King Lowis of France: thervore, withoute outrage. GefFray is sone he made Erl: of Brutaine al so. The wule is children 3onge were: al this was ido. No man ne mi3te thenche: the love that ther was, Bituene the King Henri: and the gode man Seint
Tomas. The Devel adde envie ther to: and sed bituene horn
seu: Alas! alas! thulke stounde: vor al to wel it greu! 10 Vor ther adde er ibe: Kinges of luther dede. As Willam Bastard and is sone: Willam the Rede; That hither lawes made ynou: and helde in to al the
IoikI.
APPENDIX. 131
The King nolcle noujt bileve: the lawes that he fond,
Ne that is elderne hukle: ne the godeman Sein Tomas,
Tliou5te that thing a3e rijte: nevere lawe nas,
Ne sothnesse, ac costume: mid strengthe up iholde;
And he wuste that ui' Louerd: in the gospel tolde,
That he him sulf was sothnesse: and costume nou[5]t:
Ther vore luther costumes: he nolde graunti noujt. -^O
Ne the King nolde bileve: that is elderne adde iholde;
So that contek sprong: bituene hom, mani volde.
The King drou to rijte lawe: mani luther costome:
Sein Tomas hom withsede: and grantede some.
The lawes that icholle nou telle: he grauntede vawe: —
3uf a thuman hath a sone: to clergie idrawe,
He ne ssal, withoute is louei'des [wille:*] icrouned
noujt be: Vor thuman ne may noujt be imad : ajen is louerdes
wille fre. Another thing he grauntede ek: as 36 mowe nou ise: juf a man of holichirche: halt eni lay fe, ^^
Person other wat he be: he ssal do thervore Kinges servise that ther valthj: that is rijte ne be
vorlore; In playdinge and in asise be: and in jugement also, Bote war man ssal be bilemed: other to dethe ido. He grantede ek, 5uf eni man: the kinges tray tour were, And eni man of is chateus: to holi churche here, That holi churche ne ssolde noujt: the chateus therg
lette,
* Evidently omitted in this line, though expressed in the next. I Hearne has valp.
K 2
132 APPENDIX.
That the king there, othei' is: as is owene, is ne vette:
Vor al that the felon hath: the kinges it is,
And echman mai, in holi churche: is owene take, ywis.'"^
He grantede ek, that a churche: of the kinges fe,
In none stede eve* and evere: ne ssolde ijive be.
As to hous of religion: withoute the kinges leve;
And that he, other the patron: the jifte verst jeve.
Seint Tomas grantede wel: thes and other mo:
Ac this othere he withsede: that dude him wel wo: —
3uf bituene tueie lewede men: were eni striving.
Other bituene a lewede and a clerc: vor holichurche
thing, As vor vow^eson of churche: wether ssolde the churche
3ive, The king wolde that in is court: the pie ssolde be
drive, 80
Vor as muche as a lewed man : that the o i)artie was, Clanliche was under the king: and under no bissop nas. Another was, that no bissop: ne clerc nathemo, Ne ssolde withoute [the] kinges leve: out of this lond go; And thanne hii ssolde suerie: upe the bok, ywis. That hii ne ssolde purchasy non uvel: the king, ne
non of his. The thi'idde was, juf eni man: in mansinge were ibroujt, And suththecometoamendement: nea3eri3tenereno3t, That he ne suore nou5t upe the hoc: ac borewes finde
solde, To stonde to that holichircbe: ther of him loky wolde. ^0
* Hearno has ene : perhaps it ought to road were in both places.
APPENDIX. 1 S3
The vei-the was, that no man: that of the kinge hulde
oust, In chef, other in eni servise: in mansinge were ibrojt, Bote the wardeins of holichirche : that bro3te him
therto, Tlie king sede, other is bailifs: wat he adde misdo ; And lokede verst wer hii wolde: to amendement it
bringe, And bote hii wolde be hor leve: do the mansinge. The vifte was, that bissop riches: and abbeies also. That vacauns were of prelas : in the kinges hond
were ido; And that the king ssolde al the lond: as is owe take, Vort atte laste that him luste: eni prelat ther make, lOO And thanne thulke prelat ssolde: in is chapele ichose be, Of is clerkes, wuclie he wolde: to such prelat bi se; And thanne wan he were ichose: in is chapele rijt
there. Homage he ssolde him do: ar he confermed were. The sixte was, 3uf eni play: to chapitle were idrawe. And eni man made is apel: 3uf me dude him unlawe, That to the bissop fram ercedekne: is apel ssolde make, And fram bissop to erchebissop : and suththe non
herre take ; And bote the erehebissopes court: to rijte him wolde
bringe, That he ssolde fram him: biclupe bivore the kinge; HO And fram the king non herre mo: so that, atten ende, Plaininge* of holichirche: to the king solde wende,
* So in the MS , but differently in v. 115.
134 APPENDIX.
And the king amendi ssolde: the erchcbissopes dede, And be as in the popes stude: ac Sein Tomas it with
sede. The sevethe was, that plaidinge: that of dette were, To 5elde wel thorn treutheipli5t: and nojt iholde nere; Al thei thorn treuthe it were: that pie ssolde be ibrojt, Bivore the king and is bailifs: and to holi churche nojt. The ei5tethe was, that in the londe: citacion non nere, Thoru bulle of the pope of Rome: ac clene bileved were. The nithe was, that Petres panes: that me gadereth
manion, 121
The pope nere noujt on isend: ac the king echon. The tethe was, 3uf eni clerc: as felon were itake. And vor felon iproved: and ne mijte it no3t vorsake; That me ssolde him verst desordeini: and suththe
thoru pur lawe. And thoru jugement of the lond: honge him, other to
drawe. Vortlies, andvor other mo: thegoderaon, Seint Tomas, Fleu verst out of Engelond: and suththe ymartred was. Vor he sei ther nas bote o wey : other he moste stif be, Other holichurche was issent: that mid rijte was so
fre. 130
Endleve hundred3er of grace: and foure and sixti therto, It was, that Sein Tomas: of londe wende so. The nexte 5er ther after: the Amperesse Mold "Wende out of this live: as the boc ath itold. The King let crouni to Kinge: an vif jer after this, Henri is eldoste sone: at Westmunstre, ywis, As endleve hundred 5cr of grace: and sixti and tene;
APPENDIX. 135
And sixtene 3er lie was old: tlio he was icx'ouned, icli
wene. The Erchebissop of Everwik : and the Bissop of Londone, And of Salesbury, him crounede: a5en rijt and wone. no Vor the Erchebissop of Canterburi : mid ri3te it
ssolde do. Tho Sein Tomas it wuste: gret deol he nom him to. That the churche of Kanterbury: in such unrijt was
ibro5t, He nolde, vor to tholie deth: leng tholieit no5t. He drou him towarde Engelond: to is martirdom: As Godes knijt, he bigan: tho he hider com. He amansede alle thulke: that such unri3t adde ido, To the churche of Canterbury: and the King icrouned
so. The thre bissopes worthe* were: and nome hom to rede, And wende vorth to Normandie: and the olde King it
sede. 1-50
The King was nei, vor wraththe, wod: and sed6, " juf
that he " Amanseth alle thulke men; thanne amanseth he me." He acorsede alle thulke men: that he hadde vorth
ibroujt, That of an false preste: ne abbe eke him noujt.f That word he sede ofte: in hastinesse, ywis: Foure of the Develes limes: is Knijtes, hurde this; Sire Eeinaud Le Fizours: Sire Roger Brut al so, Sire Hue de Morvile: Sir Willam Traci ther to;
* So, for luroihe.
t That had not avenged him of a false priest. See Life, v. 1946.
136 APPENDIX.
Hii nome hom to rede: and vor to paye is wille, Wendg vorth to Engelond: hasteliche and stille. i<50 The the King com to is mete: and is Kni5tes mid
him were, He bihuld and miste: thulke foure there. Is herte him 3ef anon: wuderward hii wende: In anguisse and sor ynou: after hom he sende, Toward the se, hastehche: that hii come aje. Ar the messager come: hii were in the se. Hii wende hom vorth to Kanterburi: and in the churche
rijt, Hii martreden Sein Tomas: an Tiwesdaj at ni3t. This godeman sat adoun akne: and is heved buyede
adoun, And wel softe, as some hurde: sede this orison: — I'O " God and Seinte Marie: and Sein Denis al so, " And alle the avowes of this churche: in was oreich
am ido,* " Ich bitake min soule: and holi churche rijte!" jut he bed vor holi cliurche: tho he nadde other mijte. Sir Reinaud Le Fizours: mest ssrewe of echon, Vor to smite this holi man: is suerd drou anon. Ac Edward Grim, that was is clerc: of Grantebrugge
ibore, To helpe is louerd, juf he mijte: pulte is arm bivore. He wounde his arm suithG sore: tliut blod orn adoun: Mid thulke dunt ck he smot: Sein Tomas upe the
croun, 180
* Aiul all the putron-saiiit.s of this church, in whose favor I am iilucctl. — Ilcarne rcails aboiixs.
ArrENDix. lo7
That thut blod orn bi is face: in the rijt half of the
wounde. Loude gradde the luther Kni3t: " Smiteth alle to
grounde!" In thulke svdve wounde: an other him smot the, That he abuyde is face adoun: vort ther come mo. The thridde in thulke sulve stede: ther after smot
anon, And made him aloute al adoun : is face vpe on the ston. In thulke stede the verthe smot: that the othere adde
er ydo; And the point of is suerd brec: in the marbreston
a tuo. 3ut thulke point at Canterbury: the monekes lateth
wite, Vor honour of the holi man: that therwith was ismite. With thulke stroc he smot al of: the scolle and ek the
croune.
191
That the brain orn al abrod: in the paviment ther
doune. Tho this holiman imartred was: the Knijtes gradde
echon, " This traitor is to dethe ibro3t: wende we henne
anon. " Syweth us* the Kinges men: and alle that mid him
both. " Of this traitor we beth awreke: as 30 nou iseth.
* In tho ]\IS. nou was the original reading, corrected into vs, which liearue misprinted vi.
138 APPENDIX.
" He thou3te be herre than the King: and binime him
is croune, " And to nou5te briuge al Engeloud: and nou he lith
ther doune!" In endleve hundred 3er of grace: this godeman, Sein
Tomas, And sixti and endlevene: thus iraartred was. 200
Tho the King it wuste: he made deol ynou, So that vor anguisse: nei him sulve he slou. In the castel of Argentein: vourty dawes he was, In a chaumbre al one: Avithoute eni solas. In wop and sorwe and deol inou: and confort non him
nas, Ac evere on the holiman: criede, Sein Tomas. So that tueie Cardinals: the Pope him sende, iwis; And hii him asoilede: of that was ido amis. And he undude the luther lawes: and grauntede alle
the gode, That Sein Tomas esste: as hii understode. 210
Of forest and of other thing: that is elderne nome
amis, He undude, and ther to: is chartre made, iwis. Ac after is daye iholde: febliche it was, Of King Jon, and of othere: and natheles ther nas, Non of hom, that some time: (mid wille thei it nere,) Ne grauntede and confermede it: thei it lute wurth
were: Vor mani is the gode bodi; that aslawe is thervore. To betere ende God it bringe: that vor us was ibore!*
* Here onds the portion of tho metrical text, omitted in the Jlcndd^' MS.
APPENDIX. - 139
After Sein Tomas dethe: aboute an 5eres to,
Ther sprong contek suithe strong: (thei it lutliei' were
ido,) 220
Bituene King Henri the olde: and t]ie5onge, midwou: Vor the sone aros aje the ftider: and dude him ssame
ynou, Thoru the King of France: Avas do3ter was is wif; Vor thoru a vowe of him: the sone bigan that strif. Vor the King of Fraunce: and the Erl of Fhiundres
ther to, And Sir Roberd Eid of Leicestre: and Sire Hue
Bigod also. And the King of Scotlond ek: and manie other kni5t, With the sone aje [the] fader: hulde with unrijt. Hii destruede and robbede: the fader londes, mid wou: The father was in Normandie: and deol made ynou. He huld it al wreche of God: vor Sein Tomas mar-
tirdom, 231
And nathgles with gret poer: to Engelond he com.* The Erl Willam of Gloucestere: huld mid him vaste, And mani other trewe knijt: so that atte laste,f (Ac the olde King at Canterbury: midgode herte and
wille,
* This line is omitted in Hearne's copy, but supplied in his notes fi'om the Heralds' MS- with a slight transposition of the words. It exists, howevei-, in the Cottonian text, as above.
f This clause, in all propability, is erroneous, and left so by the author; for though the next four lines, (which are here printed within parentheses, as by Hearne,) are needful to complete the narrative, they are omitted in the Heralds' MS., and v, 239 is construed with this verse, in the stead of v. 238.
140 APPENDIX.
Hurde is masse of Sein Tomas: and cride him merci,
stille. Is ost^ and is sone ost: the wule masse ilaste, Smite an stronge bataile: so that atte laste,) Thoru grace of Sein Tomas: is men overcome Hor fon, and the King: of Scotlonde nome. And Sir Hue Bigod ek: and the Erl of Leicetre, 210 Inome was thoru Willam: Erl of Gloucestre. Manion ther was aslawe: so that this vair cas, The King it thonkede everidel: the godeman Sein
Tomas. So that the fader and the sone: acorded were tho, Ac the sones herte aje the fader: was ever mo; And the bretheren hukle al so: ajen hor fader vaste, Vorte the 3onge King Henri; deide atte Laste. A Sein Barnabes day: and (as it wokle be) Endleve hundred 3er of grace: and eijteti and thre;250 In Normandje he deyde: and thuike 3er al so, Seint Egwine at Evesham: in ssrine was verst ido: Glastingburi was ther after: and to jer, ibrojt to
grounde, Vorbarnd, and of King Arthure: the bones verst
ifounde.
(Ibid. pp. 517-518, ff'. 145''"14G.)
Tlicr after at Westmunstre: ar the Baronie bi sai,* Hii crounede the King ari3t: a "Witesoneday.f
* Ilc-arne vi sdi. f This coronation of Kin<; llciiry III. took piaco on tho 17th
APPENDIX. 141
It was as in tlie ^gy of grace: a* tuelf hundred and
tuenti 3er, And as in the verthe jer: that he verst croune ber. The newe wore of Westn)[unstre]: the King bigan
tho anon, After is crouninge: and leide the verste ston. 260
The King wende tho to Canterbury: and the heiemen
also. To nimc+ up Sein Tomas body: and in to ssrine do: Arst he adde ileye an erthe: unssrined vifti 3er. Of Engelond and of France; so muche folc ther com
ther, That alle contreye aboute: unnethe avonge it mijte; Ther vore hii nome him up: priveliche bi nijte.
of May, 1220, and the insbrining of Beket on the 7th of July fojlovving; which latter day is marked in calendars prior to the Reformation thus: — Translatio sancti Thomw 3Iarfp-is, to distin- guish it from the day of his death, the 29tli of December, where the first of these words is omitted.
* So Hearne: the MS. has "&."
+ So the MS., but Hearne reads mine. Cf. Lifc,vv. 2358, 23C0, 2377.
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